Why Covid Makes Periodontal Care More Urgent

Should Anyone Still be Worried about Seeing a Periodontist?

No. First, oral health care from a reputable practitioner is extremely safe for everyone, including those who may be especially vulnerable. Second, the ongoing pandemic makes it more urgent than ever for those who need it to obtain first-rate periodontal disease treatment as quickly as possible.

What’s Changed Since the Early Days of the Pandemic?

There was a great deal of uncertainty during the early days of the Covid-19 crisis and the priority was slowing the spread of the virus.

With offices limiting visitors to more urgent cases, many people put off routine dental care and may have ignored issues. Even now that offices have long ago developed protocols and are conducting normal business too many people are delaying oral health care indefinitely. That is never a good idea.

Yes, Covid-19 is still very serious business, especially for more vulnerable individuals. Those who are elderly and in poor health, immunocompromised, and who are unvaccinated for any reason have to show great care. However, while Covid-19 was a reason to temporarily put off routine oral health care in 2020, it is now a reason to prioritize periodontal treatment in particular.

Is There a Connection Between Periodontal Issues and Covid Mortality?

Quite likely, yes. We have known for a long time that periodontal problems may increase the threat of many systemic health issues. It also stands to reason that, like any other stressor, periodontal problems may negatively impact our immune system and make us more likely to pick up Covid-19, especially with current strains becoming more and more communicable. But there is more specific evidence.

A recent article in The Lancet looks into a 2021 Indian study that helped to confirm that people with issues such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease had higher Covid mortality rates. Taking a separate tack, The Lancet looked into patients in the study who had periodontal diseases. The article's authors found that people who had been found to have advanced periodontal problems appeared to have a higher mortality rate. “Patients with severe periodontitis are at much higher odds of requiring hospital admission and ventilation, developing COVID-19 pneumonia, and dying after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with COVID-19-positive patients with healthy gums,” wrote The Lancet.

Caring for Periodontal Problems and Limiting the Risk of Covid-19

Regardless of your status regarding Covid, it is more important than ever to maintain excellent dental hygiene. Bleeding gums, halitosis (bad breath), and pain are signs of potentially serious problems and be looked at as quickly as possible. Even seemingly minor signs, like a pink toothbrush indicating slight bleeding, should be looked at immediately.

The Highest Level of Care with Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center

Our founder, Dr. Peiman Soleymani, is one of the nation’s leading periodontists. When patients present with gingivitis or its more advanced cousin, periodontitis, Dr. Soleymani is a master of such state-of-the-art treatments as laser gum surgery as well as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and other highly effective treatments.

Whether you are concerned about your gums or want to look into immediate dental implants with one of the nation’s most respected implantologists, Dr. Soleymani and his team want to hear from you. To get started, simply call the number below or visit our contact page.