According to the authors, COVID‐19 is associated with an exacerbated inflammatory response that can result in fatal outcomes. Since systemic inflammation is also a main characteristic of periodontitis, the association between periodontitis and COVID‐19 complications has been investigated.

COVID‐19 infection severity has been associated with patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, older age and obesity. However, the specific risk factors leading to severe clinical outcomes are still not clear.

The role of gum disease as exacerbated factor in severe Covid-19 outcomes has been investigated in this research.

Periodontitis is characterized by chronic non‐resolving gingival inflammation resulting in bone loss and teeth detachment, and it has been already linked by multiple studies as a risk factor in other medical conditions, like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, pneumonia and cancer.

The present study analysed the data of 568 Covid-19 patients. Among them, 40 experienced COVID-19 complications such as death, ICU admission and need for assisted ventilation, and 528 were discharged without any complications. The periodontal status was studied from these patients’ posterior bitewings and panoramic radiographs.

Out of the 568 patients included in the study, 258 presented periodontitis. Among the patients who presented periodontitis, 33 experienced Covid-19 complications, while only 7 of the 310 patients without periodontitis presented COVID‐19 complications

This study identified that the risk of COVID‐19 complications was significantly higher among patients with moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis compared to those with milder or no periodontitis.

Several hypothetical mechanisms may explain the strong associations observed between periodontitis and COVID‐19 severity. The oral cavity, and especially periodontal pockets could act as a viral reservoir and as a consequence the aspiration of periodontopathic bacteria might aggravate COVID‐19 virulence.

Gum disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, although it being preventable and treatable. Multiple studies back the idea that by maintaining good oral health, specifically healthy gums, serious medical complications, from coronavirus included, can be reduced significantly.

Some of the signs of gum disease are bleeding when brushing or eating and bad breath. Since the symptoms are not painful, people tend to ignore them, leaving the disease untreated and increasing the risk of losing teeth and medical complications.

In order to prevent gum disease, it is very important to brush the teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, paying attention to clean along the gum line as well and flossing in between teeth.

Periodical visits to the dentist are important in assessing the teeth and gums condition and providing a professional clean.

For more information about gum disease, or if you are concerned about your oral health, please contact the practice.