Background:

COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus and its association with periodontitis could have adverse outcomes.

Objective:

To evaluate the association between periodontitis and adverse outcomes of COVID-19.

Methodology:

A literature review was performed in Google Scholar, SciELO and PubMed Central with the descriptors SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, periodontitis and periodontal disease consulted in DeCS. Full-text articles in Spanish and English were selected, mainly from peer-reviewed journals.

Results:

Periodontitis is significantly associated with COVID-19 severity. Probable mechanisms linking periodontitis with severe COVID-19 are favoring viral replication, inflammation due to immune dysfunction, dysbiosis with superimposed bacterial infection, and the presence of comorbidities. Taking biosecurity and hygiene measures in patient care could favor a more favorable clinical course of COVID-19.

Conclusions:

Periodontitis appears to be associated with unfavorable COVID-19 outcomes, emphasizing the importance of stomatologic care of these patients.

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