COVID-19 and Gums
COVID-19 is a complex illness that is affected by many aspects of a patient’s overall health.
The more we learn about COVID-19, the more we see how it is impacted by the overall condition of different parts of the body. One area that people don’t consider is the gums. COVID-19 can actually be worsened by a variety of underlying medical conditions—including gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also known as gingivitis) is an inflammation of the gums that is often caused by bacteria. Plaque builds up over time if teeth aren’t properly cared for, and this plaque sits at the gumline. Over time, the plaque can harden and become tartar. The gums become inflamed, and eventually separate from the teeth of a patient.
Over time, gum disease can progress to periodontitis—a serious oral health illness.
How Does COVID-19 Relate to Gum Disease?
Recently a study was published in the Journal of the California Dental Association October 2020 issue that discussed hospitalization of coronavirus patients and a connection with gum disease. Gum disease may actually put patients at risk for major issues like respiratory failure! With higher levels of inflammatory products in the body, there is a higher risk of damage to the lungs. This, in turn, can lead to respiratory failure for those suffering from COVID-19.
It’s especially important to stay healthy during the COVID-19 epidemic—which includes your oral health.
Avoiding and Treating Gum Disease
To better ensure your safety during the pandemic, you’ll want to make sure you are doing everything you can to avoid gingivitis and periodontitis. Here are some things that you can do to avoid gum disease…
- Avoid junk food. Drinking soda and consuming other sugar-filled junk food can damage your gums and lead to gum disease. Avoid junk food as much as possible for the health of your teeth, gums and body overall.
- Take care of your oral health. Make sure you are brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth out regularly. This means twice a day, every day. This will help to avoid plaque buildup and kill germs.
- Regular checkups. Schedule a regular checkup and cleaning with your dentist every six months. Your dentist will remove plaque buildup, and they’ll be able to diagnose any gum disease during your checkup.
In order to treat your gum disease, you’ll need to continue to take good care of your oral health. You’ll also likely need a deep cleaning and possibly surgery. Antibiotic medication also may be used to help with your gum disease.
When to Visit Your Dentist
If you don’t have a cleaning scheduled with your dentist already, make sure you schedule one now. Also, if you notice your gums bleeding for more than two weeks or regularly, schedule an appointment. COVID-19 is serious and can be deadly. Make sure you take care of your oral health to reduce the risk of complications if you end up contracting COVID-19.