Bleeding, swollen gums linked to severe COVID-19 cases

[LiberalArkie]

Friday, August 14, 2020

If you don’t floss regularly, this might persuade you to change your behavior.

Patients with gum disease are more likely to experience severe, potentially life-threatening complications if they contract COVID-19 and need to be hospitalized, according to a new report published online in the Journal of the California Dental Association.

Chronic gum disease, or periodontitis, is characterized by swollen, bleeding gums and bone loss. It produces a bacteria that releases a harmful protein known as IL-6 (interleukin-6). IL-6 is an inflammatory cytokine that can trigger the out-of-control reaction of the immune system known as a cytokine storm.

The report referenced the findings of a German study of 40 hospitalized COVID-19 patients published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in May. It concluded that patients with elevated IL-6 levels were 22 times more likely to suffer respiratory failure and require mechanical ventilation.

Snip

https://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Bleeding-swollen-gums-linked-to-severe-COVID-19-15481618.php

[SheltieLover]

1. K&R!

No doubt! Interesting connection.

[Blue Owl]

2. Eric Trump to self-quarantine

n/t

[qazplm135]

3. A study of 40 people

is not exactly a large sample size.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

4. Dental care needs to be seen

As medical care and treated as medical care it's part of the body for fucks sake. Bad teeth affect overall health.. put dentists in ERs too dammit.

[musette_sf]

5. holy crap!

REALLY glad I got my periodontal issues and implants completed just before this shitshow began.