POOR ORAL HEALTH MAY IMPACT COVID-19 SEVERITY, ESPECIALLY FOR CARDIAC PATIENTS According to a new study, the correlation between poor oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as the correlation between oral health and delayed recovery, demonstrates a potential need to consider oral health an additional risk factor for cardiac patients who may contract COVID-19. The oral cavity is a potential reservoir for respiratory pathogens. Previous trials have linked poor oral hygiene with increased inflammation and cardiovascular disease. According to the researchers, COVID-19 severity has also been linked to an inflammatory response. The researchers hypothesized that increased COVID-19 severity may be linked to poor oral health status, especially in patients with cardiovascular diseases. According to the study authors, the study assessed oral health status, severity of COVID-19 symptoms, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and duration of recovery. "Oral tissues could act as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, developing a high viral load in the oral cavity. Therefore, we recommended maintenance of oral health and improving oral hygiene measures, especially during COVID-19 infection," said Ahmed Mustafa Basuoni, MD, cardiology consultant at Cairo University and lead author of the study. "Simple measures like practicing proper oral hygiene, raising awareness of oral health importance either in relation to COVID-19 infection or systemic diseases by using media and community medicine, regular dental visits, especially in patients with CVD, and using [antimicrobial] mouthwashes [could help in] preventing or decreasing the severity of COVID-19 disease." Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1976917 POOR ORAL HEALTH MAY IMPACT COVID - 19 SEVERITY , ESPECIALLY FOR CARDIAC PATIENTS According to a new study , the correlation between poor oral health and COVID - 19 severity , as well as the correlation between oral health and delayed recovery , demonstrates a potential need to consider oral health an additional risk factor for cardiac patients who may contract COVID - 19 . The oral cavity is a potential reservoir for respiratory pathogens . Previous trials have linked poor oral hygiene with increased inflammation and cardiovascular disease . According to the researchers , COVID - 19 severity has also been linked to an inflammatory response . The researchers hypothesized that increased COVID - 19 severity may be linked to poor oral health status , especially in patients with cardiovascular diseases . According to the study authors , the study assessed oral health status , severity of COVID - 19 symptoms , C - reactive protein ( CRP ) levels and duration of recovery . " Oral tissues could act as a reservoir for SARS - CoV - 2 , developing a high viral load in the oral cavity . Therefore , we recommended maintenance of oral health and improving oral hygiene measures , especially during COVID - 19 infection , " said Ahmed Mustafa Basuoni , MD , cardiology consultant at Cairo University and lead author of the study . " Simple measures like practicing proper oral hygiene , raising awareness of oral health importance either in relation to COVID - 19 infection or systemic diseases by using media and community medicine , regular dental visits , especially in patients with CVD , and using [ antimicrobial ] mouthwashes [ could help in ] preventing or decreasing the severity of COVID - 19 disease . " Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM - CL1976917