Why Good Oral Health in Periodontal Disease Is Important to Lower COVID-19 RisK

A recent narrative review aimed to investigate whether periodontal disease plays a role in the development of a poor prognosis for COVID-19. A comprehensive search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Lilacs, Bireme, Scielo, and Web of Science, using relevant keywords. A total of 56 records were initially retrieved, and after screening, 39 articles were selected for analysis, including reviews, case-control studies, systematic reviews, letters to the editor, cohort studies, hypotheses, a thesis, short communication, commentaries, and a scoping review.

The discussion highlighted that both periodontal disease and COVID-19 trigger an inflammatory response in the body. This immune response leads to an excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, which can have detrimental effects on overall health. The mouth serves as an entryway for various microorganisms, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. It is well-established that maintaining good oral health is crucial in reducing the inflammatory burden associated with periodontal disease, thereby potentially minimizing the risk of complications from COVID-19.

In conclusion, this narrative review suggested a potential link between periodontal disease and the prognosis of COVID-19. Both conditions induce inflammation, and the oral cavity serves as a gateway for pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize oral health and minimize the inflammatory load caused by periodontal disease to reduce the likelihood of complications arising from COVID-19. Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying this relationship and to explore potential interventions that may mitigate the impact of periodontal disease on COVID-19 outcomes.

Reference: 

Carmona Loayza DA, Lafebre MF. Periodontal disease and COVID-19: Prognosis and potential pathways of association in their pathogenesis. Can J Dent Hyg. 2023;57(1):44-51. Published 2023 Feb 1.