[COVID-19 Study]: Surprising Condition Raises Risk of Death 8X?

If you have a serious condition like type 2 diabetes or heart disease, chances are you already know that you have a much higher risk of getting a severe case of COVID-19 and of dying from it. 

But a recent study identified another condition that could dramatically increase the risk of hospitalization or of DYING from COVID-19. 

It’s a non-life-threatening condition that impacts nearly 50 percent of people over 30, and more than 70 percent of adults over 65. 

Fortunately, it’s preventable and reversible… if you catch it in time. 

For this study, researchers analyzed electronic health and dental records of 568 patients.  

They found that people with periodontitis (gum disease) were…  

• 8.8 times more likely to die of COVID-19, 
• 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19, and  
• 4.5 times more likely to require a ventilator. 

 It might seem like a strange connection at first, but it makes perfect sense. 

You see, periodontitis is a serious infection that produces inflammation of the gums.  

And if it’s left untreated, the inflammation can spread throughout your body. 

In severe cases of COVID-19, the virus produces a severe inflammatory response in your body called a cytokine storm. 

This response is what can lead to the most serious complications associated with the condition. 

So, if you ALREADY have high amounts of inflammation in your body due to periodontitis, then you’re already at risk of being overwhelmed by a potential cytokine response.  

Again, a study like this doesn’t prove a cause and effect relationship. But it does show an alarming connection, and it adds to our knowledge that having certain pre-existing health conditions can make COVID-19 much more dangerous.  

This drives home the importance of maintaining ALL aspects of your health… including your oral health. 

The best way avoid gum disease is by keeping the bad bacteria out of your mouth. 

And the best way to do that is by cutting out sugar and processed foods because they promote the growth of bacteria, and staying away from hydrogenated oils, which are highly inflammatory.  

Instead, eat whole, organic food and get plenty of sunlight. 

You can also try xylitol chewing gum, which prevents bacteria from building up in your mouth.  

Dr. Richard Gerhauser

P.S. Beyond COVID-19, there’s even more reason why your oral hygiene should be at the top of your health-priority list… Because having POOR oral health can actually drive up your risk of this kind of cancer 75%. Click here for all of the details.