People With Oral Health Problems Experience Covid-19 More Severely

# Pay Attention If You Have Poor Oral Hygiene and Gum Problems! THOSE WITH THIS CONDITION ARE EXPERIENCING COVID-19 MORE SEVERELY Noting that the severity of the disease increases in Covid-19 patients with compromised oral hygiene, Dr. Hatice Ağan, Dentist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, states: "It is known that those with poor oral hygiene and gum problems experience Covid-19 more severely. Oral hygiene is important not only in patients who have had Covid-19, but also before transmission. This is because increased infection and inflammation in the body are thought to play a role in contracting the disease." Noting that during the pandemic period the public's attention focused on Covid-19, Dentist Dr. Hatice Ağan says, "Apart from Covid-19, there are many bacteria and viruses that threaten our general health. One of their transmission routes is the mouth. They multiply in the mouth, spread rapidly throughout the body and cause disease. For this reason, regular tooth brushing and the urgent elimination of problems such as mouth sores and tooth decay—which allow viruses and bacteria to proliferate easily—are essential." she states.

Some infections weaken immunity without causing pain

Dentist visits typically occur due to aching or decaying teeth rather than routine checkups. Emphasizing that checkups are particularly important for early detection of problems, Dentist Dr. Hatice Ağan notes: "A chronic infection in the mouth may not cause pain in the patient, may not affect chewing function, but the body's defense cells open a front against the infection in this area and can weaken the immune system. Yet a strong immune system is our greatest weapon in fighting disease. Especially during the pandemic period, our public awareness regarding the importance of immunity has increased. However, there are different situations where our immunity needs to be particularly strong. For this reason, when evaluating infection foci in the body prior to oncology treatment, heart surgery, and joint prosthesis surgery, the teeth must also be evaluated in detail. Treatments should begin only after ensuring oral health," he states.

The most common chronic disease worldwide: Dental cavities

The World Health Organization ranks dental cavities among the most common chronic diseases. In Turkey, while the average number of decayed teeth in the 20-29 age group is approximately 1.5, in those over 60 the combined average of decayed, filled, and missing teeth is close to 24, Dentist Dr. Hatice Ağan notes. Emphasizing that infections resulting from dental cavities are an important factor both in reducing immunity and causing disease, he states: "Dental cavities, regardless of the age at which they appear, are a condition requiring urgent treatment. However, particularly in childhood they are often not taken seriously, assuming the teeth will fall out anyway. Yet after respiratory tract infections and diarrhea—particularly upper and lower—dental cavities are the most frequently seen condition in children during their first six years," he says. He points out that hesitation regarding visits to dentists due to the pandemic has also led to an increase in advanced dental cavities and related health problems.

Dental fractures also increased during the pandemic period

Anxiety and stress disorders increasing with the coronavirus outbreak have brought problems such as tooth clenching leading to tooth and filling breakage. Noting that Covid-19 causes not only taste disturbance but also gum bleeding and exacerbation of existing dental diseases, Dentist Dr. Hatice Ağan continues: "The oral cavity contains both soft and hard surfaces, includes saliva and gingival crevicular fluid that wash the surfaces, and is open to the external environment, making it rich in microorganisms and providing an environment conducive for harmful bacteria and viruses causing respiratory tract diseases to cause superinfections. Gum disease and dental cavities can lead to numerous health problems ranging from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pneumonia, Alzheimer's, eczema, stroke, obesity, and in pregnant women from premature birth to low birth weight. For this reason, regular oral care and tooth brushing to remove harmful microorganisms and bacteria from the mouth, and having regular checkups are of great importance."

"Do not neglect your dental checkups!"

"Evaluating oral and dental health together with overall body health and understanding that poor hygiene negatively affects general health will prevent many diseases. The Covid-19 pandemic period demonstrated the need for greater attention to oral care and hygiene and the importance of not postponing treatment. Even during the pandemic, dental checkups can be performed safely thanks to all disinfection and sterilization measures taken and vaccinations."