Proposed Mechanisms for the Relationship Between Periodontal Diseases and the Severity of Covid‑19: Common Pathogens, Inflammatory Mediators, and Risk Factors Publisher

Summary: Could periodontal disease influence COVID-19 severity? Research suggests links via inflammatory cytokines and common risk factors, indicating potential health impacts. #COVID19 #PeriodontalHealth

Keykha E ; Khodadadifard L ; Moosavi MS ; Fathi Y ; Hajisadeghi S
Source: Advanced Biomedical Research Published:2024

Abstract

Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with some cytokine involvement, associated with several risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, etc., Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19), a new viral infection, also appears to be related to cytokine storm and similar risk factors. In this review, we intend to evaluate the possible relationship between PD and COVID‑19. For data collection, English literature was searched in databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords searched were COVID‑19, SARS‑CoV‑2, PD, respiratory Impact of Oral pathogens on respiratory diseases: Epidemiological studies indicated that oral pathogens are related to acute and chronic lung disease, and dental plaque is a likely reservoir for respiratory pathogens. Viral presence in the periodontal pocket: SARS‑CoV‑2 may be released from infected periodontal cells into periodontal pockets. Common inflammatory mediators: Several studies showed that the serum levels of interleukins (IL)‑1, 6, 17, etc., increase in most patients with severe COVID‑19. C‑reactive protein (CRP) and endothelin 1(ET‑1) may also be related to COVID‑19 progression, and these mediators also increase in periodontitis. Common risk factors: Due to studies, diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, aging, and male sex are the most important risk factors common between PDs and COVID‑19 and may affect treatment outcomes and prognosis. PD seems to play a significant role in exacerbating COVID‑19 and even affects the mortality rate of disease. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.