COVID- 19 is associated with an exacerbated inflammatory response that can result in fatal outcomes.
Systemic inflammation is also a main characteristic of periodontitis. Therefore, we investigated the association of periodontitis with COVID- 19 complications.
Scientific rational for study: COVID- 19 complications are caused by a severe inflammatory reaction that shares some common signals with periodontitis.
Thus, this study was designed to investigate a possible association between COVID- 19 complications and the presence of periodontitis. Principle findings: This study revealed that periodontitis could be a risk factor for COVID- 19 complications.
► PDF: IL-6 levels in Periodontal Disease potential role in COVID19-related Respiratory Complications
Practical implications: This study helps understand bet-ter the risk factors influencing the outcome of COVID- 19 infections and highlights the importance of periodontal health in the prevention and perhaps even management of COVID- 19 complications.
This study identified that the risk of COVID- 19 complications was significantly higher among patients with moderate- to- severe periodontitis compared to those with milder or no periodontitis.
