Adobe Stock
Inflammation in the body makes Covid severity worse,” says Shervin Molayem, DDS, a Los Angeles-based periodontist and coauthor of the study, which was published in the Journal of the California Dental Association. Hospitalized Covid patients with preexisting gum disease have higher levels of inflammation and are much more likely to suffer respiratory failure, requiring a ventilator.
Gum disease is a common source of inflammation because it creates pockets around teeth where harmful bacteria take up residence, secrete toxins, and trigger an inflammatory response. Through the many blood vessels that surround teeth, bacteria and toxins circulate through your body in about a minute, setting off systemic inflammation.
To fight off infections of any kind, says Molayem, “Your body has only so many resources.” If these are tied up fighting gum disease, there are fewer resources to protect you from colds, flu, and Covid infection and complications.
How to Stop Gum Disease
If your gums are already inflamed, dental treatment from a periodontist (a gum specialist) is essential. To prevent gum problems, Molayem recommends these three steps:
Floss the right way: Gently pull the floss in between teeth, pull to the side to wrap the floss around one tooth, and clean all the way down to the gum line. Repeat this on the side of every tooth and then rinse with water.
Brush gently: Rough brushing can injure gums. Brush each quarter of your mouth for 30 seconds.
Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash: Alcohol dries the mouth, which increases bacterial growth. Look for an alcohol-free mouthwash such as TheraBreath 24-Hour Fresh Breath Oral Rinse, Stella-Life Vega Oral Care Rinse, and Nature’s Answer PerioBrite. The latter two contain herbs such as echinacea to fight bacteria and calendula to soothe gums.
0 Comments