Dental Health and Your Immune System

The importance of oral health is more significant than most people realize. Having poor oral health can put you at risk of issues which can compromise your immune system. Do you know how contaminated our mouths are with bacteria? These bacteria can result in illness, inflammation, and/or pain if left untreated.  

Poor Dental Health and Immune System Intertwined  

Body’s Defense Mechanism  

The immune system protects the body from invading organisms like infections and allergies. The human body comprises numerous proteins, cells, and tissues. In this manner, a person can combat illnesses wherever they are.  

When it comes to keeping a patient healthy, the mouth is essential. Most things that enter the body are through the mouth. This covers a wide range of items, such as drinks, allergies, and medications, even air can pass through a person’s mouth.  

Patients with good overall health will also have improved dental health. Saliva, for example, is a biological fluid that can transmit a number of diseases. Thus, sharing food and beverages is not advised.  

Immune System Effects of Poor Oral Health

Imagine your mouth as the starting point of a long, twisting route to better comprehend the significance of your mouth to your general health. Your mouth serves as a route, entry point, or map for bacteria to reach the rest of your body. When blood contaminated by mouth bacteria enters your bloodstream, it spreads the bacteria throughout your body and causes your gums to bleed and become sensitive.  

Together, periodontal disease and other infectious disorders can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illnesses like the flu and the common cold.  

Can Having Good Oral Health Help Boost My Immune System?  

Although brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day won't directly stop the spread of bacteria or viruses, they can give your oral health a lot of assistance. Your risk of immunosuppression from periodontal disease can be considerably decreased by bolstering your body's capacity to combat microorganisms.  

Additionally, it's crucial to visit the dentist at least once every six months to keep track of your dental condition. Keep in mind that proactive care is preferable to reactive maintenance!  

Enhance Your Oral Health by Considering the Advice of a Dentist in Monument, CO  

A strong immune system and healthy mouth will help you fight viruses and bacteria. There are many stages to follow. Consuming healthy foods to maintain your immune system is part of this. Patients can prevent disease by eating a diet rich in beneficial nutrients. For instance, a diet with less sugar consumption will prevent the mouth from developing as much bacteria. Regular flossing can also help patients avoid gum disease, which frequently poses serious immune system challenges.  

Gum disease-prone patients should brush even more frequently than twice daily. Patients who suffer from autoimmune illnesses can also attest to this. An excellent place to start is by brushing right after each meal and flossing at least twice daily. By doing so, the immune system won't have to defend itself against oral microorganisms and it can focus on the more essential things.  

Contact us for more information on how to care for your dental health!