COVID-19: New research shows coronavirus patients with gum disease at greater risk

Periodontal disease has never been more relevant.

New research shows hospitalized coronavirus patients are more likely to die of respiratory failure if they suffered from periodontitis before contracting COVID-19, according to an international team of dental researchers.

The study suggests that coronavirus patients with bad gums or periodontal disease — marked specifically by the presence of interleukin (IL-6) — are at greater risk of triggering a life-threatening respiratory crisis.

According to an article from Dentistry Today:

“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,” said researcher Shervin Molayem, DDS, a dental surgeon based in Los Angeles and founder of the UCLA Dental Research Journal.

“What shocked us was the discovery of the protein’s devastating, life-threatening impact to patients once they’re hospitalized. One tiny, inflammatory protein robbed them of their ability to breathe,” Molayem said.

Our team of periodontists test, treat and monitor periodontal disease from early to severe stages. Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath

• Red or swollen gums

• Tender or bleeding gums

• Painful chewing

• Loose teeth

• Sensitive teeth

• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Periodontal disease is treated through non-surgical cleanings and surgical treatments, including laser-assisted gum therapy. It is also monitored through regular routine-cleanings. We also offer oral genetic testing, which tests for the presence of interleukin (IL-6), a harmful protein produced by periodontitis.