Studies have shown a direct link between periodontitis and respiratory conditions. Periodontitis is a gum disease that damages the gums and can potentially destroy the jaw bone if left untreated. Keeping up with your oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help to prevent common oral diseases, as well as COVID-19.
How is oral health related to respiratory health?
Those with periodontitis are more likely to develop respiratory conditions that ultimately require hospitalization. It is most commonly linked to asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In these cases, the risk is much higher for mortality while hospitalized.
It may seem odd to think that oral hygiene is related to respiratory health. The bacteria in your mouth can be aspirated and affect the lung function. The body works in mysterious ways, with all the systems connected in one way or another. Therefore, keeping all systems healthy is crucial to overall well-being. When one starts to fail, the others will follow.
How can dental visits help protect against COVID-19?
Regular dental visits are crucial to overall good health. As previously discussed, your oral health is directly connected to the respiratory system. Since COVID-19 heavily affects the lungs and their function, oral hygiene and upkeep is even more important in today’s world. Keeping the bacteria under control in your mouth will help you in the long run, leaving less bacteria for the novel COVID-19 virus to feed on.
Periodontal screening to prevent COVID-10 complications
With the heavy spread of COVID-19, dentists may have the opportunity to encourage a screening process. This will allow dentists the chance to encourage proper oral health for their patients, and make sure they are free of any concerning oral conditions that may lead to COVID-19 complications in the future. If there is any evidence of periodontitis, your dentist will be able to give proper instruction to prevent any further damage.
Contact us at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry to learn more about what you need to do to maintain optimal periodontal oral health.
