Systemic Inflammation is a Symptom of COVID-19
The Claim
A study warns that COVID-19 patients with gum disease are NINE TIMES more likely to die.
News posted on
Emerging story
News websites are circulating reports claiming oral diseases increase the risk of death in COVID-19 patients.
The reports alleged that the news came after reviewing the health records of 568 people who were infected with COVID-19 and common gum disease. Reports claimed that inhaling oral bacteria could reach the lungs of the person infected with the virus, which may contribute to the deterioration of his condition and increase the risk of death.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation found the circulating claim misleading. In a study, researchers compared COVID-19 patients in Qatar who had severe complications -- including assisted ventilation, admission to intensive care, and death -- and those without severe complications.
The researchers also found that COVID-19 patients with periodontitis had increased levels of biomarkers (including white blood cell levels, D‐dimer, and C-reactive protein) associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Systemic inflammation is a symptom of COVID-19, and can also be a symptom of gum disease, the researchers noted.
The findings show the importance of good oral care during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the academy.
The Journal of Clinical Periodontology revealed that patients with the oral condition were 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care.
However, Misbar didn't find a study that proves that COVID-19 patients with gum disease are nine times more likely to die. Of the 568 patients, those with periodontitis -- the most severe form of gum disease -- were at least three times more likely to have severe COVID‐19 complications.
