 St. Lucien's are being encouraged to pay particular attention to their oral health, as it can impact how COVID-19 infection affects the body. According to a new international study led by McGill researchers, infected and inflamed gums may result in higher rates of complications and more fatal outcomes for individuals diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Dr. Sherry Ephraim Le Comte is the senior dental surgeon in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Early Affairs. The study suggests that gum disease may be associated with higher risks of complications from COVID-19 and discover that COVID-19 patients with gum disease will 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator, and 8.8 times more likely to die when compared to those without gum disease. Gum disease is a common dental problem in St. Lucia, which is mostly preventable in the early stages by maintaining good daily oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, water rinsing, and getting regular dental checkups. Periodontitis, also referred to as gum disease, is a serious infection of the gums that causes inflammation. In the study led by McGill researchers, it was found that blood levels of biomarkers which indicate inflammation in the body was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with gum disease, which may explain the higher rates of complications for those patients. If periodontitis is left untreated, the inflammation can spread throughout the body. Dr. Lecompt urges individuals to brush and floss their teeth daily, practice water rinsing and a chewing sugar-free gum when unavailable to brush in a timely manner, and visit a dentist for a professional cleaning at least once a year.