Severe COVID-19 Symptoms For People With Poor Dental Health

April 20, 2021

Living through a pandemic has been challenging for most Winnipeggers. 

Over the past year, COVID-19 has heavily affected the mental and physical health of Canadians. But a recent international study, led by researchers at McGill University, stated dental health is also important during the pandemic. They found people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from severe symptoms if they catch COVID-19. 

Gum Disease And COVID-19  

Gum disease is the most common dental problem in Canada. Seven out of 10 Canadians will experience this dental concern at least once in their lifetime. Gum disease is the inflammation of the gums, which can cause tooth loss in severe cases. If left untreated the inflammation can spread across the body resulting in other health concerns. 

“Looking at the conclusions of our study, we can highlight the importance of good oral health in the prevention and management of COVID-19 complications,” says Belinda Nicolau, one of the co-authors and Full Professor in the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University, in a press release. “There is a very strong correlation between periodontitis and disease outcome.”

According to the study, periodontitis (a type of gum disease) may cause an increased chance of having COVID-19 complications. Specifically, people who have periodontitis are 8.8 times more likely to die due to COVID-19, 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator and 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit compared to those who don’t have gum disease.

“We’ve always advocated for the best care for our patients. Regular checkups and cleanings are an easy way to make sure gums are healthy and happy,” said Dr. Michael Porco, one of our very own dentists at Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre. “It’s a bonus that having healthy gums could help your health in so many other ways. And, we love seeing our patients’ smiles - even if they can’t see ours under all the PPE.”

Don’t let gum disease sneak up on you; learn more about this prevalent issue on our previous Let’s Talk Teeth

Lessen Risk By Upping Your Dental Health Game

To prevent gum disease, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. For an in-depth look at how to properly care for your teeth, click here. And don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly. 

If you haven’t seen your dentist lately, book an appointment today. New patients are always welcome at our clinic, located in a mall plaza at the northwest corner of Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue in Winnipeg. We are here to help guide you on your dental health journey. At your check-up and cleaning, we’ll check for any symptoms of gum disease and help you navigate what to do moving forward.

Here at Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre, we ensure our patients are safe during their visits by going above and beyond the safety protocols mandated by the Province of Manitoba and the Manitoba Dental Association. 

Stay safe, Winnipeg! We’ll see you at your next appointment.