Patients with inflammation caused by periodontitis may experience more severe COVID-19 complications, according to an article published online July 30 in the Journal of the California Dental Association.
Good oral hygiene prevents bacteria in the gums from entering the bloodstream and triggering inflammation, which prompts the release of the protein interleukin-6 (IL-6). Since high IL-6 levels can destroy tissue and the linings in blood vessels and lungs and reduce oxygen, sources of inflammation, like gum disease, should be eliminated to prevent complications, according to the authors.