While we endure the COVID-19 situation, there are many people who want to stay home whenever possible and avoid any potentially unnecessary appointments. In light of that, is it a good idea to delay dental cleanings and checkups due to COVID-19?
The opposite may, in fact, be true, according to a paper published recently in the British Dental Journal.
Dentists have known for a while now about the links between the health of the mouth and the overall condition of the body.
The paper by Victoria Sampson examines how oral bacteria may be connected to many of COVID-19's more dangerous complications.
What complications are connected with the novel coronavirus?
Some of these complications include:
- Sepsis
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots
- Septic shock
The complications listed above are actually more likely to result in death than COVID-19 itself. COVID-19 is a virus, but the majority of these complications are actually are the result of bacterial infection, and studies into cases of COVID-19 are showing that 80% of ICU patients are being found to have high levels of harmful bacteria, requiring treatment with antibiotics. This implies that bacteria play a big role when it comes to the severity of COVID-19 infections.
In what ways are COVID-19 complications linked to oral health?
The bacteria in the mouth are likely to make their way into the respiratory tract. Many of the same varieties of bacteria found in gum disease can cause or worsen health conditions such as sepsis and pneumonia.
This link is where the need for good oral health and proper oral hygiene comes in. The exchanges of harmful types of bacteria between the mouth and lungs can be reduced by way of taking care of your mouth. There are a number of studies that have discovered that improved oral health could reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia in ICU patients and also help stop bacterial superinfection.
Don't avoid visiting the dentist!
While it may be a scary time to visit the dentist, this is the right time to ensure that you're in the best oral health that you can be. Having good oral health is not only important for the overall health of your body, it can also lessen your chances of COVID-19-related complications.
Whether you are past due for a dental exam or have an oral concern you want looked into, call us now to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Sachs.