Periodontal disease and COVID-19: prognosis and potential pathways of association in their pathogenesis

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to determine if periodontal disease is a factor in the development of a poor prognosis for COVID-19.

Method: A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Google Scholar, and in the databases of Science Direct, Scopus, Lilacs, Bireme, Scielo, and Web of Science, using the following keywords: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," and "periodontal diseases."

Results: Fifty-six records were retrieved from the database searches. After screening, 39 articles were selected for study: 13 reviews, 2 case-control studies, 1 systematic review, 8 letters to the editor, 2 cohort studies, 1 thesis, 7 hypotheses, 1 short communication, 3 commentaries, and 1 scoping review.

Discussion: Both periodontal disease and COVID-19 produce an inflammatory response. This immune response generates an over-production of inflammatory cytokines that can harm overall health.

Conclusion: The mouth serves as the entryway for many microorganisms that can harm health in general, among them SARS-CoV-2. It is important to maintain good oral health to lower the inflammatory load present in periodontal disease, lessening the possibility of complications from COVID-19.