Good Oral Hygiene Helps Reduce COVID-19 Severity

Highlights:

Poor hygiene could be a risk factor for COVID-19 complications
Oral cavity plays a vital role in the transmission of COVID virus from an entry point to the lungs
Simple oral hygiene practices can reduce the chances of COVID-19 severity

Simple oral hygiene measures could reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission from the mouth to the lungs and help prevent the instances of COVID-19, according to a study published in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Dental Research.

Salivary Gland Cells: New COVID-19 Infection Site
Mouth plays a bigger role in SARS-CoV-2 infection than previously thought. When infected saliva is swallowed or tiny particles of it are inhaled, it can potentially transmit SARS-CoV-2 further into our throats, our lungs, or even our guts.

‘A high concentration of COVID-19 virus in saliva due to poor oral hygiene, which fastens the transmission of the virus from mouth to the lungs, is associated with a higher risk of death.’
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The findings of the research suggest that specific ingredients of widely available mouthwash products are highly effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Link between Gum Disease and COVID-19 Severity

Compared to a healthy oral cavity, people with gum disease have an increased presence of bacterial pathogens. The COVID virus evades the oral immune response, and penetrates the blood vessels and reaches the lungs, especially among people suffering from gum disease (periodontitis).

The COVID virus would pass through neck and chest veins -reaching the heart before being pumped into the lungs, said researchers.

Low Rate of COVID-19 Among Dental Hygienists
A new research has revealed 3.1% of dental hygienists have had COVID-19 based on data collected in October 2020.

Dental plaque accumulation and periodontal inflammation could further intensify the likelihood of the COVID virus reaching the lungs and causing more severe cases of infection.

"This model may help us understand why some individuals develop COVID-19 lung disease and others do not. It could also change the way we manage the virus -- exploring cheap or even free treatments targeted at the mouth and, ultimately, saving lives," said study co-author Iain Chapple, Professor at the University of Birmingham in the UK.

Simple oral hygiene measures - such as toothbrushing, mouthwashes, or saltwater rinsing help reduce gum inflammation, thereby decreasing the viral concentration in salvia.

Dentists recommend that people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 should immediately change their toothbrush and tongue cleaner upon recovery to protect them from chances of re-infection.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste
Inter dental brush and dental floss can be used to reduce the plaque accumulation
Antibacterial mouthwash to prevent gum disease
Less intake of acidic food products
Regular visit to a dentist for once in 6 months

References :

Lloyd-Jones G, Molayem S, Pontes CC, Chapple I. (2021) The COVID-19 Pathway: A Proposed Oral-Vascular-Pulmonary Route of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Importance of Oral Healthcare Measures. J Oral Med and Dent Res. 2(1):1-25.
Brian Z, Weintraub JA. Oral Health and COVID-19: Increasing the Need for Prevention and Access. [Erratum appears in Prev Chronic Dis 2020;17. http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0266e.htm.] Prev Chronic Dis 2020;17:200266.

Source: Medindia

Is Coronavirus Airborne?
Transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 are much higher indoors than outdoors and transmission is greatly reduced by indoor ventilation, air filtration, reducing crowding and the amount of time people spend indoors, wearing masks whenever indoors, attention to mask quality and fit, and higher-grade PPE.

Citations

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APA

Dr. Jayashree. G. (2021, May 11). Good Oral Hygiene Helps Reduce COVID-19 Severity. Medindia. Retrieved on Aug 11, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/good-oral-hygiene-helps-reduce-covid-19-severity-201152-1.htm.
MLA

Dr. Jayashree. G. "Good Oral Hygiene Helps Reduce COVID-19 Severity". Medindia. Aug 11, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/good-oral-hygiene-helps-reduce-covid-19-severity-201152-1.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Jayashree. G. "Good Oral Hygiene Helps Reduce COVID-19 Severity". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/good-oral-hygiene-helps-reduce-covid-19-severity-201152-1.htm. (accessed Aug 11, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Jayashree. G. 2021. Good Oral Hygiene Helps Reduce COVID-19 Severity. Medindia, viewed Aug 11, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/good-oral-hygiene-helps-reduce-covid-19-severity-201152-1.htm.