A scientist recently claimed that daily oral hygiene could protect one from COVID-19 and be a life-saver. In February this year, a study done at Qatar University suggested severe gum disease raises the danger of death by infection almost nine times.
According to a Yahoo! Life report, a group of international researchers now believes a break in the immune defense in the mouth allows coronavirus particles found in saliva to penetrate the lungs through the bloodstream, possibly stimulating complications.
The scientists recommend that with gingivitis that makes gums 'leakier,' people take simple yet effective steps every day to maintain oral hygiene such as regular brushing of teeth, use of interdental sticks, or even gargling with saltwater.
This comes following a report from French researchers that swilling with mouthwash containing the antiseptic povidone iodine may help decrease the number of coronavirus particles in the nose and throat of a patient.
Periodontal Disease and COVID-19
Most adults in the United Kingdom have gum disease called 'periodontal disease' to some degree, tending to manifest as bleeding gums while brushing teeth.
According to University of Birmingham's Professor Ian Chapple, study author, periodontal disease is making the gums leakier, enabling "microorganisms to enter into the blood."
In their study, The COVID-19 Pathway: A Proposed Oral-Vascular-Pulmonary Route Of SARS-CoV-2 Infection And The Importance Of Oral Healthcare Measures, published in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Dental Research, the researchers explained how coronavirus might pass the veins in the chest and neck to the heart before they get pumped into the lungs.
Professor Chapple elaborated that simple measures like careful "toothbrushing and interdental brushing" to lessen the buildup of plaques, along with certain mouthwashes, or even rinsing with salt water to reduce gingivitis could help lessen the concentration of the virus in saliva.
This may alleviate the progress of lung disease and reduce the danger of deterioration to severe COVID-10, added Chapple.
Benefits of Mouthwash
As specified in the report, the oral health benefits of mouthwash have been argued, with some contending the rinse eliminates any decay-fighting fluoride left behind by the toothpaste.
As a result, the National Health Service recommends the public not to use mouthwash, even if it has fluoride, immediately after brushing.
A previous study suggests the COVID-19 infection is mild in four out of five cases. Nonetheless, certain traits raise an individual's risk of complications, like obesity and old age, among others.
Periodontal disease may explain the reason some apparently healthy people occasionally turn out to be severely ill with the infection, the international scientists said.
This could change the way the virus is being managed, said Professor Chapple, exploring inexpensive or even free treatments aimed at the mouth and, eventually, saving lives.
Oral Therapies
In terms of oral therapies, the scientists emphasized that further research is needed. The University of Reading's Professor Ian Jones previously pointed out that any benefit coming with the use of mouthwash "is temporary." He added that the virus's constant replacement is the issue.
While an additional study is going on, Professor Chapple explained that daily oral hygiene, as well as plaque control, will not just improve oral health and wellbeing. It could also be a life-saver in the context of this global health crisis.
A related report is shown on FOX 2 St. Louis's YouTube video below:
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