Larvin H, Wilmott S, Kang J, Aggarwal V R, Pavitt S, Wu J. Additive Effect of Periodontal Disease and Obesity on COVID-19 Outcomes. J Dent Res 2021; DOI: 10.1177/00220345211029638. Online ahead of print.

Obesity is associated with higher hospitalisation and mortality rates, and periodontal disease may exacerbate this impact.

This retrospective longitudinal study included 58,897 UK Biobank participants tested for COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021. Self-reported oral health indicators were used as surrogates for periodontal disease. Body fat levels were quantified by body mass index (BMI). Of 58,897 participants, 25% tested positive for COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 infection was higher for participants who were overweight and obese as compared with those of normal weight, but infection was not affected by periodontal disease. The hospital admission rate was 57% higher in the obese group, and periodontal disease increased with BMI category. For participants with obesity, the mortality rate was much higher in participants with periodontal disease than those without. Obesity is associated with higher hospitalisation and mortality rates, and periodontal disease may exacerbate this impact.