BALANCING ORAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

Abstract

Oral health is an important factor in the initiation and progression of many systemic diseases. Lack of oral
health maintenance can have a number of adverse effects on the body, such as progression of upper
respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases and enhancement of systemic illnesses such as diabetes. These factors
can put patients at risk for contacting COVID-19; hence it is essential that the role of oral health be
highlighted in conventional literature. The mouth also is the most important pathway for providing nutrition
in order to improve the body’s immune response, which in turn is an essential requirement against viral
infection. This paper investigates the correlation between COVID-19 and oral health, the importance of
maintaining a healthy mouth and adequate nutrition. The specific micro and macro nutrients that have been
found to be of increased value to COVID-19 patients and the general population are also discussed.