Did you know? Gum Disease Can Lead to COVID-19 issues
Just like other chronic inflammatory diseases, which are known to influence the severity of COVID-19, inflammation caused by gum disease can also impact the symptoms developed when contracting COVID-19.
A recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, found that coronavirus patients with gum disease were more likely to experience COVID-19 complications.
While that might sound scary, the good news is gum disease is completely preventable!
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your gums stay healthy:
Brush three times a day
Brush your teeth after every meal and don’t forget to brush your tongue (yes, your tongue can also harbor bacteria). We recommend investing in an electric toothbrush as they can clean teeth and gums more consistently than a manual toothbrush. In fact, certain studies suggest that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque.
Floss regularly
Brushing your teeth is not enough. Makes sure to floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque and food that can remain trapped between certain areas that are beyond reach.
Use a Waterpik®
If you are not a fan of flossing, you might enjoy using a Waterpik®. This unique device serves as an oral irrigation device and can keep teeth and gums clean during treatment.
Visit your dentist for regular cleanings
Make sure to visit your dentist at least once a year. Dentists can make sure to detect gum disease symptoms earlier on, which can allow them to tackle the issue before it becomes more serious. Also, something important to note is that the only way to remove tartar is by getting a professional cleaning. Dentist will also make sure to remove extra plaque that was not able to be removed during brushing and flossing.
quit smoking
Yes, smoking is strongly associated with gum disease because it weakens your immune system and makes it harder to fight off gum infection, according to the CDC. And more importantly, even though gum disease is preventable, smoking makes it difficult for your gums to heal once they have been damaged.
Use Fluoride toothpaste
There are so many toothpaste brands out there. Make sure to choose one that includes fluoride and that also has the ADA seal of acceptance. This will help you ensure your gums stay healthy.
use mouthwash regularly
Make sure to use mouthwash regularly! This can help reduce plaque and gingivitis and decrease the chances of tarter developing.
How do i know if i have gum disease?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), signs that you might have gum disease include:
consistently bad taste or breath
separating or loose permanent teeth
gums that easily bleed
gums that are swollen, red, or tender
questions?
Give us a call at 212-755-2333 (Uptown) or 212-871-9835 (Downtown), we’d be more than happy to help!