COVID 19 and Gums
COVID-19 has really impacted the world. It shut down modern society, forced us all to stay home, and called attention to concerns over mental health. It has also impacted almost all aspects of our overall health. Studies have already shown the significant effect that stay at home orders and remote work have had on our bodies. Spending more time than ever crouched over keyboards, staring at screens, sitting in our home offices, and on zoom calls can cause teeth grinding associated with high levels of stress. More people are experiencing stress related dental decay, along with back pain, weight gain, headaches, and general anxiety. There is evidence of an interrelation between COVID-19 and your dental health, particularly with regards to gum infections.
What are the signs and symptoms of gum infection?
Gum infections occur when organic material, typically food, lingers in your mouth. These food particles can become trapped in between your teeth or any crevice in your mouth, or on the surface of your teeth. This material gathers and decays, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. As bacteria develops, the food particles change in texture to plaque or tartar. Plaque and tartar can affect your body in very negative ways, but in your mouth they create infection and break down tissue. Your gums recede as bacteria grows down into the roots of your teeth and breaks them down. It has been reported that anywhere from 50-90% of the population has experienced gum disease. Here are some common signs of gum disease.
* Inflammation or swelling- Engorged or puffy gums are a sign of infection. As bacteria enters the gumline and festers, it expands, creating a separation between tooth and gum and triggering immune responses that irritate your gums.
* Redness- Your healthy pink gums may become a warm red, and more sensitive and painful.
* Bleeding- Harmful bacteria and the immune response create a blood flow to the area. As bacteria breaks down tissue, your gums and the areas between your teeth may bleed.
* Chronic bad breath- Halitosis, or persistent bad breath, is a sign of gum disease and infection. Bacteria and decaying organic material is not known to smell pleasant.
* Loose Teeth- Teeth that wiggle or are loose are a sign of developed gum infection. The bacterial infection has reduced the gum security and possibly affected the roots of your teeth.
COVID-19 and your gum health
Evidence has been released that those with significant history of gum disease and infection, who test positive for COVID-19, are at a higher risk for severe respiratory complications. There is some relation between the bodies release of proteins and immune response agents into the blood stream, and the persistence of harmful bacteria or infections in persistent diseases. This history of infections, or more severe gum infections, can have long lasting implications for th lungs and respiratory system of patients. COVID-19 endangers the immunocompromised, the same way that gum infections do. Those with a history of respiratory disorders, heart disease, cancer, or who are pregnant should be vigilant in preventing gum disease and COVID-19.
What can you do today?
Take a break, take a step back, and breath. Practice all your precautions as recommended by the CDC. Take a time for mindfulness, and consider brushing your teeth while you do. Now is the time to get back in the Dentist’s office, and develop a fastidious dental hygiene routine.