Association Between Periodontitis and COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Periodontitis has been linked to various systemic diseases and conditions. Given their shared comorbidities, extensive research has been carried out to explore the link between periodontitis and COVID-19. Recent Findings: A growing body of evidence suggests that periodontitis could increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and its complications. It has been suggested that the association between the two diseases could be due to immunological, coagulation, genetic, and microbiological reasons. The effect of periodontitis on the immune system could increase the expression of receptors used by SARS-CoV2 to infect cells (transmembrane protease, serine 2 [TMPRSS2], and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 [ACE2]) and prime the immune system to an exacerbated immune reaction against the virus. Moreover, there is evidence indicating that periodontitis could also increase the risk of COVID-19 complications by altering the coagulation pathways, and periodontal pathogens were identified in the respiratory system of patients suffering from severe COVID-19. In addition, it was also found that patients suffering from both diseases share some genetic similarities, suggesting that both diseases could be linked through common genetic pathways. Summary: In this review, we discuss the above-mentioned associations and make the case for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis to avoid SARS-CoV-2 infection and complications.