Scientists have discovered a link between life-threatening coronavirus infection and periodontal disease in a new study published Thursday. Gum disease is known to be associated with heart disease and chronic lung disease, both of which also put people at risk of severe disease or death from "Covid-19".
Researchers in California and Brazil found in a study review that Covid-19 patients with high levels of an inflammatory immune protein, called interleukin-6 (IL-6), suffered from gum disease and were much more likely to use ventilators. According to "Russia Today".
Although IL-6 is involved in many diseases, previous studies have shown that deep cleaning and treatment of gum disease can reduce levels of the inflammatory protein, the research team says.
In the research paper, which will soon be published in the Journal of the California Dental Association, scientists have reviewed previous work on periodontal disease, IL-6 and various other diseases, including corona virus.
The most important discovery came from a German research paper published in April, which found that patients with "Covid-19" with high levels of IL-6 (more than 80 picograms per milliliter) were more likely to have a life-threatening respiratory distress syndrome associated with infection, and needed To the hospital.
Dr. Shervin Maloyeim, a dental surgeon in Los Angeles, California, believes that many patients with these high levels of IL-6 already had gum disease when they were infected with the Corona virus.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that settles in the gums. In an effort to combat it, the body increases the production of various immune cells, including IL-6. But those genetically susceptible to having higher levels of protein are also more likely to develop chronic periodontal disease.
Cardiologists have long recognized that gum disease is a risk factor and may help predict cardiovascular disease.

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