Dental health is often treated as a separate part of a person’s physical well-being. However, this should not be the case. Studies have pointed out that the state of your oral health greatly influences the rest of your body and vice versa.
With over 3.5 billion of the population affected by oral diseases annually, people should know the importance of oral hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the mouth is one entryway for pathogens, including the coronavirus, the condition of your teeth and gums can affect your susceptibility to viral diseases. Additionally, severe cases of COVID-19 have been linked to poor dental health.
Lockdowns Lead to Declining Dental Health Habits
Oral health care during the pandemic is more important than ever. Unfortunately, the continuous lockdowns, social isolation, financial upheaval, and the psychological strain that comes with these have made many indifferent to self-care (including oral hygiene). In addition, cases of depression and anxiety, which can lead to the neglect of dental health care, have increased in the wake of the pandemic.
In addition to being a detriment to personal care, the temporary shutdown of certain establishments, the imposed health protocols, and the anxiety of entering public space can keep people from seeking professional dental care. Unemployment and lack of income are also factors that affect the population’s capacity to seek professional aid.
Oral Bacteria Can Worsen Health Problems
At first glance COVID-19 and dental problems may not have much to do with each other. However, apart from both of them affecting the mouth, throat, and nose, the presence of one exacerbates the other.
Neglecting proper dental hygiene habits increases the risk of biofilm forming inside the throat and mouth. This can lead to oral diseases and promote various health complications. Since the COVID-19 pathogen assaults your pulmonary tract, bacterial growth will bolster its infectivity and lethality. Simply forgetting to floss and brush your teeth regularly can weaken your body’s defenses against the new coronavirus.
Oral bacteria can also aggravate existing health issues. According to a study published in the British Dental Journal, once oral bacteria enters your bloodstream, it can amplify the effects of pneumonia, diabetes, endocarditis, clogged arteries, hypertension, cardiovascular complications, and stroke probability. To be specific, having periodontal disease can increase the risk for diabetes (by 200%), high blood pressure (by 20%), and heart disease (by 25%). These are the same diseases most often observed in the elderly population, who are at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms.
However, this does not mean that only the senior citizens are at risk. The COVID-19 virus latches on to the compromised immune system. Anyone who has these pre-existing conditions and disregards their oral health have a higher likelihood of experiencing COVID-19 complications.
Severe COVID-19 and Periodontitis
Research has found that periodontitis patients are 3 times more likely to suffer severe COVID-19 symptoms. The same patients are found to have increased levels of biomarkers for COVID-19 outcomes.
Another recent study done in McGill University in Canada also supported this. Compared to COVID-19 patients without gum disease, periodontitis patients face greater risks including:
- 3.5 times higher likelihood of admittance to the intensive care unit (ICU)
- 4.5 times higher likelihood of requiring a ventilator
- 8.8 times higher likelihood of succumbing to COVID-19
These studies present a very clear picture on how dental health issues, specifically periodontitis, will increase the risks of severe COVID-19 problems and even death.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Oral Health
The COVID-19 effect on oral health is just as damaging even if these effects are not direct. When diagnosed with the coronavirus, patients are often sent to quarantine facilities located a distance from their homes and families. This mental, emotional, and physical stress may cause them to neglect even the most basic activities, like regular dental care habits. In worse cases, patients who have been admitted to the ICU are intubated and do not have the ability to care for their teeth. This can lead to oral bacterial build up which, in turn, can result in complications.
The Role of Dental Health Care
Good oral health serves as your primary shield from harmful pathogens. It prevents the build up of viral and bacterial colonies in your oral and tracheal pathways.
The role of dental hygiene in combating the new coronavirus lies in how the body reacts to infections. While bacterial infections can be addressed with antibiotics and general hygiene, viral infections can only be fought off by your immune system. To properly combat the effects of either, you need to pay attention to your dental health in addition to the health of the rest of your body. Doing so will give your body a better chance of fighting off infections without the burden of other health conditions slowing it down.
Practice Proper Oral Care
During this pandemic, you should always make sure to take care of your dental and oral health. Practicing hygienic habits will cause ripples in your general well-being and have you more protected.
Even if you have the external protection of a face mask, without your own body’s natural defenses, you will have a more difficult time in fighting against all possible infections. Make sure to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before you go to bed.
- Floss your teeth once a day.
- Rinse with mouthwash twice a day after brushing or flossing.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have raised concerns regarding the safety of going to the dentist for your regular check up. You may be asking, “Is it safe to go to the dentist?” Yes, it is.
Dental clinics are required to adhere to strict safety protocols to protect both patients and staff. Rest assured that the dental staff will do everything in their power to minimize the risk of exposure.
The world may be a far cry from being completely COVID-19 free. So, while the doctors and scientists are looking for the best solution, it is your responsibility to keep you and your family safe. Through proper dental care habits, you can minimize the possibility of dental health issues that can lead to other health complications.
Make sure to consult your dentist so they can spot and address any problems with your teeth and gums. If you live in Brampton, look no further than Springdale Dental Centre for your dental concerns. We provide general dentistry services like teeth cleaning so you can eliminate bacteria-carrying plaque. Our clinic is well-equipped to keep you safe from exposure during your visit. Call us at (905) 458-1212 or email us at in**@sp**************.com to book an appointment.
