COVID-19 Severity and Poor Oral Health Are Linked in Those With Heart Disease

Individuals with cardiovascular disease experienced greater severity of COVID-19 illness and longer recovery times in the presence of poor oral health, according to new research out of Egypt. In the study of 86 patients with cardiovascular disease, researchers discovered that those who tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR test and scored the lowest on a questionnaire assessing oral health endured more severe illness, longer recovery times, and higher levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation, than those patients with better oral health scores. The authors suggest that good oral health—achieved by regular oral hygiene, professional dental care, and the use of antimicrobial mouthrinses—is imperative to improving COVID-19 outcomes in this population. Click here to read more.