SIMPLE ORAL HYGIENE COULD HELP REDUCE COVID-19 SEVERITY, ACCORDING TO NEW STUDY COVID-19 could pass into people's lungs from saliva with the virus moving directly from mouth to bloodstream - particularly if individuals are suffering from gum disease, according to new research. Evidence shows that blood vessels of the lungs, rather than airways, are affected initially in COVID-19 lung disease with high concentrations of the virus in saliva and periodontitis associated with increased risk of death. The researchers propose that dental plaque accumulation and periodontal inflammation further intensify the likelihood of the SARS- CoV-2 virus reaching the lungs and causing more severe cases of the infection. Experts say this discovery could make effective oral healthcare a potentially lifesaving action - recommending that the public take simple but effective daily steps to maintain oral hygiene and reduce factors contributing to gum disease, such as the build-up of plaque. An international team of researchers published the findings. They note emerging evidence that specific ingredients of some cheap and widely available mouthwash products are highly effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Simple oral hygiene measures, including use of these mouthwash products, could help lower the risk of transmission of the virus from the mouth to the lungs in those with COVID-19, and help prevent severe instances of the infection. Gum disease makes the gums leakier, allowing microorganisms to enter into the blood. Simple measures - such as careful toothbrushing and interdental brushing to reduce plaque build-up, along with specific mouthwashes, or even saltwater rinsing to reduce gingival inflammation - could help decrease the virus' concentration in saliva and help mitigate the development of lung disease and reduce the risk of deterioration to severe COVID-19. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 ZESESELD-WS SIMPLE ORAL HYGIENE COULD HELP REDUCE COVID-19 SEVERITY, ACCORDING TO NEW STUDY COVID-19 could pass into people's lungs from saliva with the virus moving directly from mouth to bloodstream - particularly if individuals are suffering from gum disease, according to new research. Evidence shows that blood vessels of the lungs, rather than airways, are affected initially in COVID-19 lung disease with high concentrations of the virus in saliva and periodontitis associated with increased risk of death. The researchers propose that dental plaque accumulation and periodontal inflammation further intensify the likelihood of the SARS- CoV-2 virus reaching the lungs and causing more severe cases of the infection. Experts say this discovery could make effective oral healthcare a potentially lifesaving action - recommending that the public take simple but effective daily steps to maintain oral hygiene and reduce factors contributing to gum disease, such as the build-up of plaque. An international team of researchers published the findings. They note emerging evidence that specific ingredients of some cheap and widely available mouthwash products are highly effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Simple oral hygiene measures, including use of these mouthwash products, could help lower the risk of transmission of the virus from the mouth to the lungs in those with COVID-19, and help prevent severe instances of the infection. Gum disease makes the gums leakier, allowing microorganisms to enter into the blood. Simple measures - such as careful toothbrushing and interdental brushing to reduce plaque build-up, along with specific mouthwashes, or even saltwater rinsing to reduce gingival inflammation - could help decrease the virus' concentration in saliva and help mitigate the development of lung disease and reduce the risk of deterioration to severe COVID-19. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 ZESESELD-WS