Highlights:
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.
The findings of the research suggest that specific ingredients of widely available mouthwash products are highly effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus - 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
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).
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.
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 COVID virus would pass through neck and chest veins -reaching the heart before being pumped into the lungs, said researchers. Read More..
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.
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.
A new research has revealed 3.1% of dental hygienists have had COVID-19 based on data collected in October 2020.
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.
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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.
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.
New Membrane Helps Regenerate Tissue and Bone for Gum Disease Treatment
Novel periodontal membrane may lead to more effective and reliable therapy for a severe gum disease known as periodontitis. This innovative technique helps regrow gum tissue and bone for treating periodontal disease effectively.
Novel periodontal membrane may lead to more effective and reliable therapy for a severe gum disease known as periodontitis. This innovative technique helps regrow gum tissue and bone for treating periodontal disease effectively.
