The Covid-19 pandemic revealed a strong connection between oral health and respiratory infection. Research published in the British Dental Journal found that poor oral health increases susceptibility to viral infections, including coronavirus. The lesson is clear: looking after your mouth is not just about teeth and gums — it is about protecting your overall health.
“Healthy mouth, healthy body” is a principle that dentists have long understood, but the pandemic made it impossible to ignore. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, Dr Ayzaaz Akram and the team saw firsthand how many patients who contacted them with dental emergencies during lockdown had not visited a dentist for over a year.
Skipping regular dental check-ups allows problems to develop undetected. But the consequences extend beyond toothache and cavities. The health of your mouth directly influences the health of your entire body.
Dr V. Samsoon’s research, published in the British Dental Journal, explained the mechanism through which oral health affects respiratory health:
Your mouth contains a complex community of bacteria known as the oral microbiome. When your oral health is good, this microbiome maintains a healthy balance. This balanced bacteria is continuously exchanged between your mouth and your lungs through normal breathing.
When oral health deteriorates, harmful pathogenic bacteria begin to accumulate in the mouth, disrupting the natural microbiome. These disease-causing bacteria can be breathed directly into the lungs.
| Oral Health Status | Bacterial Balance | Impact on Respiratory Health |
|---|---|---|
| Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits | Healthy microbiome maintained | Lower susceptibility to respiratory infections |
| Poor oral hygiene, missed check-ups | Pathogenic bacteria accumulate | Increased vulnerability to viral infections |
| Active gum disease | Significant bacterial imbalance | Higher risk of bacterial superinfection during illness |
When a person with poor oral health contracts a viral infection, the pathogenic bacteria already present in their mouth can multiply rapidly. This creates what researchers call a bacterial “superinfection”, which further burdens an already compromised immune system. This can lead to severe complications including pneumonia and acute respiratory syndrome.
The Covid-19 research is part of a broader body of evidence connecting oral health to systemic disease. Poor oral health has been linked to:
The pandemic disrupted dental care for millions of people. Government-mandated practice closures meant that even those who wanted to attend their regular check-ups could not do so. The resulting backlog of undiagnosed and untreated dental problems reinforced how important consistent preventive care is.
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to:
At Pure Smiles, we recommend check-ups every six to twelve months depending on your individual risk factors.
Between dental visits, maintaining good oral health requires a consistent daily routine:
1. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes
2. Clean between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
3. Limit sugary foods and drinks to reduce acid attacks on enamel
4. Do not smoke — smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer
5. Stay hydrated — water helps maintain saliva flow, your mouth’s natural defence
Pure Smiles has always maintained strict decontamination measures in line with dental regulatory standards. Following the pandemic, we invested further in infection prevention measures to provide additional reassurance for patients returning to the practice.
Our protocols include enhanced PPE, thorough surgery decontamination between patients and air filtration systems. These measures are not temporary additions; they reflect our ongoing commitment to patient safety at both our Fulham locations.
Yes. Research published in the British Dental Journal demonstrates that pathogenic bacteria from poor oral health can compromise respiratory defences and increase susceptibility to viral infections, including Covid-19.
Most adults benefit from a check-up every six to twelve months. Your dentist will recommend the right interval based on your individual oral health status and risk factors.
Book a comprehensive check-up as soon as possible. At Pure Smiles, we can assess your current oral health, identify any issues that may have developed and create a treatment plan to get you back on track. Call 020 7736 6276.
Yes. Dental practices in the UK follow strict infection control protocols. Pure Smiles has invested in enhanced safety measures at both our Fulham locations to ensure patient and staff safety.
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Your oral health affects your whole body. Book a check-up at Pure Smiles Fulham by calling 020 7736 6276. Visit us at 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB or 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH.
