COVID-19 & Oral Health

Although we are still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic a number of early studies are showing evidence that poor oral health may be associated with more severe COVID-19 complications.

The president of the German Society of Dentistry & Oral Medicine advises that a healthy mouth acts as a barrier against a range of diseases and that this is likely to also be true for COVID-19. He also cites evidence that indicates that where poor oral hygiene causes diseases such as caries or periodontitis, there are also more fatal courses of COVID-19. He suggests, "A patient suffering from periodontitis has an open wound in the mouth... which leaves the door wide open to a disease like COVID-19."

In another study published by the British Dental Journal researchers highlighted the importance of improved oral hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and the risk of a bacterial superinfection. The study found that patients who reported to have a severe form of COVID-19 also had associated higher levels oral bacteria.

Consequently, the authors of the study recommended that poor oral hygiene be considered as a risk factor for COVID-19 complications, especially in patients with diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease as these conditions are associated with an increased risk of complications from COVID-19. Therefore, it is particularly important that any patients suffering from any of these conditions maintain excellent oral hygiene.

If you have any concerns about your oral health or would like to book in for a check up and clean please call us on 07 3236 2984 or book online.