I know, I know. We are all completely sick (no pun intended) of hearing about COVID. We’re over it! We don’t want to belabor the point, but even more evidence has come out just in the past few weeks that point to a strong link between poor oral health and severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Poor Oral Health Associated with Higher COVID Risk
We have known for decades that periodontal disease and poor oral health increase your risk factors for a variety of systemic diseases. From heart disease to brain health, oral pathogens can strain your entire body. Ongoing research published in the Journal of Periodontology last week confirms what dental professionals started to suspect early in the pandemic: “most of the common risk factors for severe outcomes of COVID-19 are correlated with poor oral health, tooth loss, and periodontitis.”
So what does that mean?
Basically, patients with bad oral health were significantly more likely to develop severe COVID than counterparts with healthy gums. Patients with advanced gum disease (periodontitis) ended up in ICU more frequently than patients with good oral health. They also had more severe symptoms and higher risk of death.
While we cannot conclude that gum disease is a direct cause of worse COVID outcomes, the association between the two is very clear. Just as with other whole-body health issues, researchers theorize that inflammation may be the key. Because periodontal disease puts a strain on the immune system, it may make it harder for the body to fight COVID. The virus also causes a lot of inflammation on its own, so pairing the two may overwhelm the body’s resistance.
Dentists Have Noticed More Oral Health Problems Since COVID Started
Not only does poor oral health likely increase your COVID risks; dentists have also seen their patients’ oral health get worse during the pandemic. A lot of this may have to do with stress. Many of the oral health problems we have seen in our office in the past two years involve issues like cracked teeth and sensitivity, both of which have to do with grinding and clenching. We have also seen more cavities, possibly due to worse food choices and more snacking.
Significantly, dentists are reporting much more gum disease as well. Nearly half of dentists polled in October by the American Dental Association reported increased periodontitis in their patients. Even patients with a strong history for good oral health have started to slip.
Why Is It Happening and What Can You Do?
Let’s be honest: the pandemic has meant some bad habits for many of us. Chalk it up to work-from-home situations or just feeling burnt out, but we’ve been snacking more, eating more junk food, and letting ourselves slide on self-care.
Many patients admit they have been slacking on their oral care routine. Where we used to have pretty solid routines to remind us to keep on top of our healthy habits, less socialization, staying in more, and not needing to go to the office every day have all disrupted our normal hygiene routines.
Skipping brushing and flossing can lead even patients with great oral health history down the road to gum disease and decay. About 1/4th of patients polled by the American Association of Endodontists stated they were forgetting to brush before bed, and about the same number said they had stopped flossing.
Get Back on Track with Oral Health Routines to Decrease COVID Risks
Your oral health has a lot to do with how your immune system responds to pathogens, which bacteria you tend to grow, and your genetics. But for most people, your oral health has much more to do with keeping good hygiene habits. Oral health is something you can control! Do your immune system a favor and invest in healthy teeth and gums.
In as little as five or six minutes per day, you can reclaim great oral health. Just two minutes of brushing twice per day, plus about one minute to floss or use your WaterPik is all it takes! Pair these routines with regular cleanings with your hygienist here at Lake Baldwin Dental, and you should be ship shape in no time.
Good News: COVID Has Made Patients More Aware of Their Oral Health
Even as oral health has taken a hit, many patients have taken it as a wake-up call. Nearly three quarters of adults in the US said the pandemic made them more conscious of their oral health. We’ve discussed the fact that many patients have fallen behind on dental visits these past couple of years. However, nearly all adults polled by Delta Dental early this year said they plan to prioritize oral health in 2022.
As always, we are here to help you take control of your oral health. If you have fallen behind, there is no better time to get back on track than now! Call us to schedule your next oral health check and get caught up on your cleanings. Keep smiling, Orlando!
