The link between the health of the mouth and the health of the entire body is not something to be overlooked. Strong connections have been found between oral conditions and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Respiratory ailments can be impacted by the bacteria found in the mouth as well.
A study was performed in Germany that followed patients who had been hospitalized with COVID-19. The study discovered that those who had periodontal disease had a substantially greater chance of dying from respiratory failure than those without gum disease.
This respiratory condition is likely caused by IL-6 (interleukin), a harmful protein that is produced by periodontitis. IL-6 travels from the gum tissue down into the lungs, causing respiratory ailments.
According to Shervin Molayem, DDS, founder of the UCLA Dental Research Journal, “Gum disease has been linked to other breathing ailments, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so we weren't surprised to find a link to respiratory problems with COVID-19.”
Molayem continued with, “what shocked us was the discovery of the protein's devastating, life-threatening impact on patients once they're hospitalized. One tiny, inflammatory protein robbed them of their ability to breathe.”
You can find out more about this study in
The Mouth-COVID Connection from the California Dental Association.
Now, with COVID-19, having a healthy mouth and gums is critical. Make certain you have your six-month exam and cleaning with Dr. Sachs scheduled, and
call us if you spot any of the
symptoms of gum disease.