General and Preventive Dentistry Gum Care

Gum Disease link to COVID-19 Complications

Periodontal disease,

commonly known as gum disease, can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and if left untreated lead to tooth loss. A study by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)*, a leading organization of periodontists, or gum disease experts, found that gum inflammation is not just a symptom of gum disease, but also of COVID-19. This inflammation also known as Systemic inflammation is linked to many other respiratory diseases.The study found that individuals who suffered from gum disease and contracted the corona virus were 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care, and almost 9 times more likely to die as compared to those without gum disease.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums in an effort to avoid developing or worsening periodontal disease is absolutely crucial in the midst of a global pandemic like COVID-19. Gum diseases is one of the most common chronic diseases across the globe. Roughly about 90% of adults have some or the other form of gum disease. With appropriate care and frequent dental checks, gum disease can be easily prevented or managed at an earlier stage.

Some of the first signs of gum disease is spotting of blood on the toothbrush or when spitting while brushing. If left untreated, this could also lead to bleeding while eating, which is bound to leave a bad after taste within the mouth. Another common sign of gum disease is bad breath, which could easily be mistaken for other dental issues.

With the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become increasing difficult for individuals to even obtain basic health care procedures. Of these, dental issues are not prioritized among majority of the population. With the mobility of general public limited, due to the concern of spread of COVID, visits to the dentist could also be limited.

Some precautions that one can take to prevent gum disease are:

  • Brush twice a day carefully with a fluoride toothpaste, with a manual or electric toothbrush
  • Clean between the teeth after meals using an interdental brush
  • Floss between the teeth if the gap between the is too tight
  • Use mouth rinse if needed, on top of cleaning to reduce inflammation
  • Refrain from smoking, maintain a healthy diet and remain stress free
  • Diabetics, should ensure control of blood sugar

If you predict that you have gum disease or would like to get a preventive dental checkup, schedule an appointment with our dentist at Credence Dental. We at Credence follow all protocols of COVID-19 to ensure the best health and hygiene for our patients and doctors. Call us if you would like to know more about the precautions we undertake to prevent the spread of COVID.

Call or Whatsapp us today at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment

*Source : perio.org

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