Should I Go to My Dental Cleaning During the Covid Pandemic?
Studies have been conducted around the world have found periodontitis and respiratory conditions are linked with an increased risk for complications and a elevated mortality rates in hospital patients ― Particularly, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and asthma, to illustrate a few examples.
Recently, researchers have been examining the link between periodontal disease and COVID-19-related respiratory side effects. Early research findings have suggested that dental professionals will possibly need to shift their focus to deterring underlying conditions, such as periodontitis, that elevate systemic inflammation.
If this focus shift occurs it will not only improve patients’ overall health but it could have a major positive impact on health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. This would be realized by decreasing the need for more intensive care and mechanical ventilation of affected patients. To illustrate this 20% of COVID-19 patients develop serious respiratory complications that often lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, COVID-19-related pneumonia is one of the most frequent cause of mortality in those patients.
CDA Journal study examines role of cytokine storms in severity of COVID-19 complications
Oral bacteria that is aspirated can affect lung function, thereby elevating the risk of pneumonia and COPD and potentially COVID-19-related pulmonary complications. A study from a October 2020 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association related to dentistry and COVID-19. The Journal study researched the potential implication of cytokine storms ― specifically elevated interleukin-6 levels (IL-6) ― in the more severe form of SARSCoV-2.
One of the take-home messages from this research was that oral hygiene intervention and periodontal and dental preventative care have the ability to lower the oral bacterial counts and the systemic inflammatory response. In conclusion, treating periodontitis and adhering to good plaque control are crucial.
“Successful control of periodontal inflammation can be beneficial to the lungs, possibly decreasing severity and risk of COVID-19 respiratory problems,” the Journal study concludes.
“Two minutes of toothbrushing may not be sufficient for periodontitis patients”
Periodontal screening, treatment as prevention against COVID-19
Due to the higher transmission rate of the coronavirus and the increased risk for COVID-19-related respiratory complications in the general population with high IL-6 levels, dentists should use periodontal screening and treatments as important preventive measures against respiratory conditions.
Dentist professionals and their teams can promote good oral health hygiene by teaching and motivating patients to brush their teeth twice per day Each session should last for at least two minutes using a fluoridated toothpaste accompanied with flossing.
Two minutes of brushing likely isn’t sufficient for periodontal patients. We as dentists would seek those patients out early to tailor their oral hygiene routines and render proper treatment.
Periodontal treatment is very beneficial for systemically healthy patients and especially for those who suffer from pulmonary conditions because it can mitigate IL-6 levels and decrease inflammation.
