Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
You know the importance of seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. There’s no substitute for professional dental care. You receive a cleaning that removes all the bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your teeth. You also have your teeth and mouth examined by a qualified, experienced dentist. There’s one benefit of dental check-ups you may not know—it can lower your risk of getting COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill if infected with the coronavirus. Read on to learn more about this topic from Okemos’ award-winning dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia.
Certain factors influence your risk of serious illness from COVID-19
We have been fighting the pandemic for more than a year now, and we know that pre-existing health plays a major role in serious complications stemming from the coronavirus. For example, individuals who already had a respiratory illness such as asthma, or a previously diagnosed condition like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, have a greater risk of getting COVID-19. However, new evidence from a study published in the British Dental Journal in 2020 suggests oral health also could play a role in the severity of COVID-19 infection. Their research found that the same bacteria that cause gum disease can play a contributing role in serious cases of COVID-19.
Gum disease is an epidemic in America
Stemming from a bacterial infection of the gums, gum disease was already running rampant in our society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that half of all American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. A higher risk of severe COVID-19 is just another of the potentially serious health issues linked with untreated gum disease. We already know that pathogens in the mouth can infiltrate the lower respiratory tract, which can create problems or exacerbate an existing condition.
Preventing Gum Disease
Knowing this provides yet another reason for you to be diligent with your oral health to lower your risk of gum disease. Although a qualified dentist can treat gum disease and avoid permanent damage if the disease is caught in its earliest stage, gingivitis prevention is always recommended. That means doing your part at home by brushing and flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco usage, and seeing your dentist as recommended every six months, thus underscoring the importance of regular dental care to help the fight against the coronavirus.
Preventive Dentistry in Okemos
At Tenaglia Smiles, we can help treat your gum disease, no matter what stage. We also believe the best defense is preventing gum disease from ever developing. That’s why we offer a wide array of preventive care services to help you maintain the best possible oral health. We also remain committed to infection control and disinfection of all non-clinical areas between each appointment at our office on Okemos, including having patients undergo a pre-screening questionnaire and temperature checks upon arriving for their appointments. To find out more or schedule your appointment, call Tenaglia Smiles today at (517) 347-6733 if you’re located in the areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing in Michigan.