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. 2022 Apr;93(4):584-590.
doi: 10.1002/JPER.21-0272. Epub 2021 Aug 24.

A case-control study on the association between periodontitis and coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Pradeep S Anand  1 , Pranavi Jadhav  1 , Kavitha P Kamath  2 , Salavadi Revanth Kumar  1 , Sandapola Vijayalaxmi  1 , Sukumaran Anil  3   4
Affiliations

A case-control study on the association between periodontitis and coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Pradeep S Anand et al. J Periodontol. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and periodontitis share common characteristics, such as an exaggerated inflammatory response. As periodontal diseases were shown to be associated with respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, it is quite possible that a relationship may exist between periodontitis and COVID-19. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine whether periodontitis and poor oral hygiene are associated with COVID-19.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted. Patients who had positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection were included in the case group (n = 79), and patients with negative results were included in the control group (n = 71). The periodontal examination involved recording the plaque scores, calculus scores, tooth mobility, gingival bleeding, probing depth, recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL).

Results: Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations of mean plaque scores ≥ 1 (odds ratio (OR), 7.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83 to 26.94), gingivitis (OR, 17.65; 95% CI, 5.95 to 52.37), mean CAL ≥ 2 mm (OR, 8.46; 95% CI, 3.47 to 20.63), and severe periodontitis (OR, 11.75; 95% CI, 3.89 to 35.49) with COVID-19; these findings were more prevalent in the case group.

Conclusion: Based on the above mentioned observations, it can be concluded that there is an association between periodontitis severity and COVID-19. Gingival bleeding and dental plaque accumulation are also more frequent among COVID-19 patients. Hence, it is essential to maintain periodontal health and good oral hygiene as an important measure for COVID-19 prevention and management.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; clinical attachment level; coronavirus; oral health; oral hygiene; periodontitis.

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References

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