Association Between Periodontitis And Covid-19 Infection, A Double-Edged Sword? - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with severe COVID-19 usually present an exacerbated immune response, characterized by excessive levels of proinflammatory cytokines and widespread tissue damage; the so-called cytokine storm syndrome. Epidemiologic, experimental, and interventional studies have shown that periodontitis also impacts systemic health. COVID-19 complications are caused by a severe inflammatory reaction that shares common signals with periodontitis. Thus, this study was designed to investigate a possible association between COVID-19 infection, and the presence, and severity of periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY:

300 Patients visiting a Dental Hospital were enrolled during a period of one year. All patients above the age of 18 years were included. Patients were asked about their history of COVID Infection if they were hospitalized, their vaccination status, and their history of other co-morbidities. A complete intraoral examination was done to assess the patient's periodontal status. Data were collected and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS:

The study was conducted over the course of an entire year. A total of 167 males (55.48%) and 134 females (44.54%) were included in the study. Patients were classified based on their periodontal status as mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis. 69.10% of individuals were from the age of 17-44 years and 30.9% were 45 years and above. Out of the 302 patients included in the study, 71 (23.59%) were exposed to COVID-19 infection. 71.83% of COVID-19-infected patients had Moderate Periodontitis. 19% of total number of patients had co-morbidities. 12.7% and 2.8% of COVID-19-infected patients were Diabetic and Hypertensive respectively.

CONCLUSION:

This study concludes that there is a possible association between COVID-19 infection and Periodontitis. Future rese[1]arch, including interventional studies, focused on the influence of periodontitis on COVID-19 infection, would help better understand the connections between them.