COVID patients with gum disease 4.5 times more likely to need ventilator

Patients are up to three times more likely to experience COVID-19 complications if they suffer from gum disease.

This is according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

In a study of more than 500 patients with coronavirus, the research found that those with gum disease were 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care.

Additionally, they were 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator and almost nine times more likely to die.

Reduce the risk

Professor Lior Shapira, EDP president-elect, said that the association between periodontitis and lung diseases is well established. This includes pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

‘The results of the study suggest that the inflammation in the oral cavity may open the door to the coronavirus becoming more violent,’ said Professor Shapira.

‘Oral care should be part of the health recommendations to reduce the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.’

Blood markers indicating inflammation in the body were higher in COVID positive patients who have gum disease. As a result, this suggests that inflammation may explain the raised complication rates.

Causal link

The authors said: ‘If a causal link is established between periodontitis and increased rates of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients, then establishing and maintaining periodontal health may become an important part of the care of these patients.’

Professor Shapira added that hospital staff should ‘identify COVID-19 patients with periodontitis’. As a result, he suggests using oral antiseptics to reduce transmission of bacteria.