New research: COVID-19 enter lungs through blood vessels in the mouth

New research shows that Covid-19 not only enters the body through the upper airways, but the virus can also be transmitted via a vascular route from the oral cavity to the lungs. 

It has been more than a year ago that COVID-19 made its way to our world and we all know the effects of it. In the beginning we didn’t know much about the virus. Now, more than a year later we can call ourselves COVID-19 experts. But just like a real expert, we keep on learning every day. There is still plenty of research being done about the effects of COVID-19, the risk of infection and the relationship with various (lifestyle) factors are active. The findings are regularly shared by various experts in different media. For example, we found an interesting and super relevant article in the Dental Tribune which we would like to share with you.

Serious infection through plaque and gingivitis

It was previously believed that the virus can only infect the lungs through the respiratory system. Now, a new study is published that suggests the virus can also enter the lungs through blood vessels in the oral cavity. The research team from the University of Birmingham and the Mouth-Body Research Institute in Los Angeles and Capetown have suggested that accumulation of plaque and gingivitis make it more likely that Covid will reach the lungs from the mouth and cause a more serious infection.

Prevent transmission of virus from mouth to lungs

The results of the first lung-CT-scans of patients with COVID-19 led medical and dental researchers to collaborate on the possible route of entry into the bloodstream. Together they formed a model that shows how the virus reaches the lungs through the mouth. It shows that saliva in the mouth forms a so-called reservoir for the virus. A weak spot in the mouth makes it easier for the virus to get into the bloodstream. It is believed that the virus travels through blood vessels in the mouth, through the neck and chest veins to the heart before entering the pulmonary arteries and small blood vessels in the lungs. Lain Chapple, co author of the study and professor of periodontology at the University of Birmingham noted: ‘’This model may help us to understand why some people develop severe lung disease from COVID-19 and others do not. Studies are urgently needed to further investigate this new model. Daily oral hygiene and plaque control will not only improve oral health and well-being, but also be life-saving in the context of the pandemic.’’ said Chapple.

Good oral care, more and more essential

This discovery could make effective oral care a potentially life-saving action. The researchers are placing extra emphasis on simple, but effective, daily oral care to prevent the formation of plaque, among other things, and reduce the risk of severe infections. The advice is to use a good mouthwash on a day to day base. This way, you reduce the chance of transmitting the virus from the mouth to the lungs. 

Suffering often from bleeding gums?

With the knowledge of this article, it is wise to say you should be more alert for gum inflammation. Read more tips on how to protect yourself here.

Source: Dental Tribune