Though isolated to the mouth, gums are a form of mucosal tissue that is highly connected to the rest of the body and its various systems. One’s overall health can have a real impact on one’s gum health, and vice versa. Numerous studies have demonstrated the links between gum tissue health, cardiovascular conditions, and even the prevalence of strokes; more recently, the connections between gum health and Covid-19 have begun to be explored, as well.
Covid-19 and Inflammation
Like many other diseases, Covid-19 has been proven to cause wide-ranging inflammation throughout the body. When we think of inflammation, we typically think of swelling that is localized to one area – such as a toe that has become swollen as a result of stubbing it, etc. But in fact, inflammation is a process that can occur throughout multiple systems of the body, hidden from sight. This kind of inflammation not only causes discomfort, it can also damage or even destroy tissues. In the case of Covid-19, this is part of what is happening in the so-called “cytokine storm” that harms in the body in attempting to fight off the virus; the inflammation that occurs as part of this process is so widespread and so damaging that the body harms itself in attempting to protect it.
Gum disease and Inflammation
Likewise, gum disease is essentially an inflammatory disease that can be impacted by as well as impact other bodily systems. Not limited only to the mouth, gum disease has a negative impact on one’s cardiovascular, brain, and overall health, so taking care of your gums is taking care of the rest of your body, as well.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria contained by built-up plaque and tartar leaching into the soft tissue of the gums. Over time, this bacteria grows and spreads, further damaging the tissues and extending into the blood stream, where it can then infect other tissues and organs. Left untreated, gum disease can cause a whole systemic form of inflammation that can not only lead to tooth and bone loss in the mouth but can also contribute to a decline in cardiovascular risk and a marked increase in the risk of stroke and heart attack.
This can also work in reverse; those living with cardiovascular disease may see the systemic inflammation that is part and parcel of this disease spread to the mouth, where one’s gums are usually the first to be affected.
Covid-19 and Gum Disease Occurring Together
Recent studies have indicated that those living with gum disease (primarily the more advanced stages of periodontitis and advanced periodontitis) are more likely to have face complications from the disease, especially that related to lung function. Due to the inflammation that is already present because of gum disease, inflammation in the lungs is proven to be more severe, increasing the chances of respiratory failure in Covid-19 patients with advanced gum disease.
While gum disease requires treatment over time and cannot be quickly resolved unless caught in the early stage known as gum disease, these connections between Covid-19 and gum disease are just one more piece of evidence that demonstrates how gum disease can compromise other bodily systems. To take the best care possible of one’s health, it is imperative to take care of ones’ gums, too, which includes consistent oral hygiene practices as well as regular visits to the dentist’s office.