Gum disease may increase risk of respiratory failure.
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were more likely to experience respiratory failure if they had gum disease prior to becoming infected with coronavirus. Inflammation in the gums can allow inflammatory compounds (specifically interleukin-6) and bacteria from the mouth to spread throughout the body, including the lungs. Previous research found that high IL-6 levels in COVID patients was associated with a 22 times higher risk of respiratory complications.
80% of Americans have some form of gum disease! The mouth is one of the dirtiest parts of the body –the gums have many blood vessels that bacteria can get into and spread throughout the body. Remember to brush and floss daily!
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