COVID-19 severity may be associated with sub-optimal oral health, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease, according to new data scheduled to be presented at ACC Middle East 2021.
According to researchers out of Cairo University, prior clinical trials have established a link between poor oral hygiene with increased inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
"Oral tissues could act as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, developing a high viral load in the oral cavity. Therefore, we recommended maintenance of oral health and improving oral hygiene measures, especially during COVID-19 infection," lead author Ahmed Mustafa Basuoni, MD, cardiology consultant at Cairo University, said in a prepared statement. "Simple measures like practicing proper oral hygiene, raising awareness of oral health importance either in relation to COVID-19 infection or systemic diseases by using media and community medicine, regular dental visits, especially in patients with CVD, and using [antimicrobial] mouthwashes [could help in] preventing or decreasing the severity of COVID-19 disease."
The group examined 86 Egyptian patients with heart disease who also received a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis after a positive COVID-19 PCR test. Oral health scores were used to determine the impact of oral health on COVID-19
Researchers examined data related to each participant's C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and PCR test results. Overall, they found an association between poor oral health and elevated values of CRP and delayed recovery, particularly in patients with a history of cardiac diseases.
"Oral health should be a part of routine history taking and examination in cardiac patients," Basuoni added. "Lifestyle measures should be instructed to all cardiac patients regarding good oral hygiene with regular dental visits. We need to give more space in research for these risk factors which can be easily modified."
ACC Middle East 2021, which runs Oct. 14-15, is a partnership between the American College of Cardiology, Egyptian Society of Cardiology and the ACC Egypt Chapter. Click here to learn more.