Good oral health is important by itself, of course, but the effect it can have on the rest of your body should not be overlooked. In particular, keeping your mouth healthy can go a long way toward helping you maintain a strong immune system. Your dentist is here with a brief look at how taking good care of your smile can ultimately improve your body’s ability to protect itself from the various viruses that can cause illness.
The Link Between Oral Health and the Immune System
If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, harmful oral bacteria will have the opportunity to flourish. This can eventually lead to gum disease, which is effectively an infection of your gums. Naturally, your body will respond by sending immune cells to your mouth in an attempt to fight the problem.
However, your body is only capable of producing so many immune cells. So if you happen to get sick while already suffering from gum disease, your immune system won’t be able to devote as many resources to dealing with the new problem.
In short, if you want to maximize your body’s ability to fend off illness, you should do everything you can to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Mouth Healthy?
Maintaining good oral health is as simple as following these steps:
- Brush your teeth regularly. You should brush at least two times a day for two minutes at a time. Be as thorough as possible; don’t forget to pay attention to your gumline.
- Floss at least once a day. This is the most reliable way to get rid of any plaque and bacteria that have built up in the hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth.
- Get in the habit of using mouthwash after you eat in order to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Cut down on sugary and starchy foods that can increase your risk for oral health problems. Make a point of eating more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.
- Visit your dental office once every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Your dentist can examine your mouth for problems and get rid of plaque and tartar.
Taking whatever steps you can to protect the health of your teeth and gums often goes a long way toward boosting the overall effectiveness of your immune system. If you feel like you could be taking better care of your smile, talk to your dentist at your next appointment to see if they have any suggestions.
About the Author
Dr. John White has obtained a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor awarded to less than 1% of dentists in the country. He focuses on treating the whole person and not just their smile. He protects the oral health of his patients with routine checkups and cleanings as well as other services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. White at his office in Asheville, visit his website or call (828) 684-3020.