The health of our gum tissues (gingiva) has always said a lot about our overall wellness. Over the years, researchers have shown through scientific data that active periodontal disease is linked to a higher risk of issues like:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Pneumonia
- Reproductive issues, such as: preeclampsia, pre-term labor, infertility (both men and women) and erectile dysfunction
And now, there’s research that suggests people with active periodontal disease are at a higher risk of requiring respirators if they’re hospitalized with COVID-19. Since gum disease is already associated with respiratory illnesses and pneumonia, it comes as no surprise that breathing could be difficult for those individuals if they contract the novel coronavirus.
What You Can do to Help
One of the reasons why periodontal disease is thought to raise the risk of respiratory infections is because of bacteria from the mouth being inhaled into the airway and lungs.
The key to reduce your risk is to thoroughly remove plaque biofilm each day and treat active periodontal disease. This process includes a daily flossing routine, particular care to brush along the gumlines, and routine professional dental cleanings. If you have gum disease, our Encino dentist will prescribe a series of deep cleanings to remove the bacteria that’s tucked well below the gumlines (where brushing and flossing don’t reach.)
How Can I Tell if I Have Gum Disease?
