The study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), of more than 500 patients with COVID-19 found that those with gum disease were 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care, 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator, and almost nine times more likely to die compared to those without gum disease. This increase in Covid-19 complications due to gum disease was seen after adjusting for other factors that might be associated with COVID-19 complications including body mass index (BMI), smoking, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
According to the study, "The results of the study suggest that the inflammation in the oral cavity may open the door to the coronavirus becoming more violent," said Professor Lior Shapira, EFP president-elect. "Oral care should be part of the health recommendations to reduce the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes."