NR8 DIRECTORY APRIL 2021

Gum disease and links to other serious medical conditions
Coronavirus patients with severe gum disease are almost nine times
more likely to die, warns a new study highlighted by Drayton Dental
Care hygienist, Bala Choudhary.
The study also found that Covid-19 patients with periodontitis were
3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care and 4.5 times
more likely to need a ventilator compared to those without gum
disease.
Keeping your gums strong and healthy
While these statistics are alarming, we would like to reassure you
that severe gum disease does not happen overnight. There are lots of
ways you can keep your gums healthy, such as brushing your teeth
twice a day for two minutes concentrating on your gum line, using
inter-dental brushes or floss to clean the areas between your teeth,
and visiting a dentist and dental hygienist regularly.
Concerned about the health of your gums?
If you have any concerns about the health of your gums, contact us
to book a dental hygiene appointment to set your mind at rest. Gum
disease is common but can be prevented, controlled and treated with
expert help from our meticulous hygiene team.
“Hospital staff should identify Covid-19 patients with
periodontitis”
Information was collected on gum disease and other factors that
might be associated with the Covid-19 complications, including
body mass index (BMI), smoking, asthma, heart disease, diabetes,
and high blood pressure. The paper was published in the Journal of
Clinical Periodontology.
Mariano Sanz of the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, one
of the study’s authors, noted that oral bacteria in patients with
periodontitis can be inhaled and infect the lungs, particularly in
those using a ventilator.
“This may contribute to the deterioration of patients with Covid-19
and raise the risk of death,” he said. “Hospital staff should identify
Covid-19 patients with periodontitis and use oral antiseptics to
reduce transmission of bacteria.”
Around half the world's population over 30 suffer from
periodontitis, which causes swelling in and around the gums. If not
treated properly, the inflammation can spread throughout the body
and infect the lungs.
The tell-tale signs of gum disease include gums that feel swollen
or tender, that bleed, and bad breath. If in doubt, please see your
dentist or hygienist at your earliest convenience.
Drayton Dental, 10 School Road, Drayton, NR8 6DN www.draytondental.co.uk
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10 School Road, Drayton,
Norwich, Norfolk NR8 6DN
www.draytondental.co.uk
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