London, April 21 (PTI) Simple oral hygiene measures can help reduce the risk of transmission of the new coronavirus from the mouth to the lungs and prevent serious cases of COVID-19, according to a study.
The research, published in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Dental Research, shows that there is growing evidence that specific ingredients of some inexpensive and widely available mouthwash products are highly effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is COVID -19 causes.
The researchers noted that the coronavirus can get into people’s lungs through saliva, with the virus moving directly from the mouth into the bloodstream – especially if people suffer from gum disease.
There is some evidence that the blood vessels of the lungs, rather than the airways, are initially affected in COVID-19 lung disease with high levels of the virus in saliva and periodontal disease associated with an increased risk of death.
The researchers propose that plaque buildup and periodontal inflammation increase the likelihood of the SARS-CoV-2 virus reaching the lungs and causing more serious cases of the infection.
Experts say this discovery could turn effective oral care into a potentially life-saving action – recommending the public take simple, yet effective, daily steps to maintain oral hygiene and reduce factors that contribute to gum disease, such as plaque buildup .
The first observations from lung CT scans of patients with COVID-19 lung disease led to a collaboration between medical and dental researchers on the possible pathway to the bloodstream.
“This model can help us understand why some individuals develop COVID-19 lung disease and others don’t,” said study co-author Iain Chapple, a professor at the University of Birmingham in the UK.
“It could also change the way we manage the virus – researching cheap or even free treatments targeting the mouth and ultimately saving lives,” Chapple said.
The researchers noted that gum disease causes gums to leak, which allows microorganisms to enter the blood.
Simple measures – such as careful brushing and interdental brushing to reduce plaque build-up, along with specific mouthwashes, or even salt water rinses to reduce gingivitis – can help reduce viral concentration in the saliva.
This may also help reduce the development of lung disease and reduce the risk of worsening into severe COVID-19, according to the researchers.
The new model is based on the mouth providing a breeding ground for the virus to thrive, with any break in the oral immune defense making it easier for the virus to enter the bloodstream.
Moving from blood vessels in the gums, the virus would pass through neck and chest veins – reaching the heart before being pumped into pulmonary arteries and small vessels in the lung base and periphery, the researchers said.
“Studies are urgently needed to further investigate this new model, but in the meantime, daily oral hygiene and plaque control will not only improve oral health and well-being, but could also be lifesaving in the context of the pandemic,” added Chapple. PTI HSR SAR SAR