No one likes to get sick. To protect yourself from common viruses, you may frequently wash your hands, make sure you get enough vitamin C, and maintain a clean environment. But did you know that there is even more you can do? You can take great care of your teeth and gums! This blog post delves into how a healthy smile can support your immune system and help you stay healthy from head to toe.
Oral Infections and Your Immune System
The average human mouth contains millions of individual bacteria. Fortunately, a lot of those bacteria are harmless, and some are even helpful. A portion of them, however, are harmful. If those harmful microorganisms are allowed to multiply, they can infect the gum tissue and cause gum disease.
When gum disease occurs, your body sends antibodies, white blood cells, and other immune system components to the area to help your mouth fight off the infection. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, gum disease can linger in the mouth indefinitely, putting a long-term burden on your immune system.
Due to this stress, your immune system may have fewer resources available to fight other infections. Therefore, you may be at a greater risk of contracting an illness, such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19.
Supporting Your Immune System
Fortunately, taking good care of your teeth and gums can help to stop and/or prevent gum disease, which can equip your immune system to work at full capacity to keep the rest of your body healthy. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day. Be sure to clean the area along your gumline.
- Cut back on sugar. Sugars and starches promote the growth of harmful oral bacteria, so try to consume sweet treats only in moderation.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Getting a cleaning every six months can remove harmful deposits of bacteria on your teeth. Your dental team can also provide personalized tips to help you care for your smile.
- Seek treatment at the first sign of gum disease. If you notice that your gums are red or swollen, or that they tend to bleed easily, you might have gum disease. Talk to your dentist about how you can stop the infection before it worsens.
Your immune system can shield you from illness, but gum disease can compromise its effectiveness. Take care of your smile so your immune system can take care of you!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Salma Helal is a highly skilled dentist who finds great satisfaction in helping patients become healthier and happier through great dental care. Under her leadership, the team at Crescent Dental offers a range of services, including thorough preventive care, gum disease treatment, and more. To learn how our team may be able to serve your family, contact our New Brighton, MN, office at 763-571-4837.