Now, more than ever, we rely on our body’s immune system to fight off some pretty scary stuff such as:
- Harmful infections
- Unwanted germs and bacteria
- Viral diseases like COVID-19
What does any of this have to do with your oral health and your Woodlands dentists? As a gateway to the rest of your body, your mouth is frequently the perfect entry point for dangerous germs and bacteria that like to hitch a ride entering our bloodstream to wreak havoc elsewhere in your body. Your bloodstream and your respiratory system could suffer — big time!
That’s why you and your family need to be extra vigilant about the state of your oral health. You want your immune system to be operating a peak performance, now and in the future.
Oral Infection Can Spell Trouble for the Rest of Your Body
Periodontal (gum) diseases like gingivitis are inflammatory, causing your mouth to become overtaken by unwanted and unhealthy bacteria. As your gums try to overcome this, they can start to appear red and feel inflamed. When this happens, your immune system is triggered, going into motion to attack this inflammatory bacteria before it can do more damage. If your immune system has one tough enemy, it would be these bacteria that get a real thrill out of disrupting its ability to kill germs effectively so you can be healthy.
As you can probably imagine, when there’s a bacteria battle with your immune system raging in your mouth, other issues elsewhere in the body might get overlooked. A University of Pennsylvania study found that gingivitis-causing bacteria actually “…subverts the immune system” and increases your risk of additional inflammatory issues. Scientists said this happens because the bad bacteria prohibit your immune system from having the ability to destroy new invading bacteria quickly.
Unfortunately, when your immune system becomes compromised, it can lead to diseases such as:
- Asthma
- Eczema
- HIV/AIDS
- Type 1 diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Heart disease or stroke
Want to boost your immune system health and not worry about these diseases? It helps to quit smoking, limit your alcohol use, and eat healthy so your body can get the boost it needs to keep you going strong.
Quick Tips for Immune (and Oral) Health
When your smile is healthy, it’s going to mean good things for how well your immune can protect you now and well into the future. Oral bacteria are no match for a strong body and immune system; your Woodlands dentist will always agree.
During these days of the unknown in terms of the health and our immune systems, to keep everything healthy and running smoothly for you and your body, you should:
- Minimize stress levels
- Exercise as regularly as possible
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Floss your teeth once a day
- Get a good night’s sleep (no snoring!)
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Wash hands regularly and thoroughly
Your Woodlands dentist will also tell you that it’s crucial to maintain your regular teeth cleaning and checkups — the same goes for everyone else in your household. Regular cleanings and visits with your Woodlands dentist will guarantee your smile and your body can stay healthy and happy.
If you have any questions about seeing your Woodlands dentist or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, we’re happy to help. No question’s too silly to ask; we’ve heard them all. We’re here to help, and we want you to know that we’ll do everything we can to ensure you and your family are safe and comfortable with us.
Find your ideal Woodlands dentist:
Dr. Leslie Blackburn (Pediatric Dentistry) – Growing Great Grins
Dr. Robert Dernick (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry), and TMJ – Robert G. Dernick, DDS
Dr. David Epstein (General, Cosmetic Dentistry & Sleep Apnea) – Epstein & Vakil General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Mike Freeman (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ) – Dr. Mike Freeman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Dr. Alisa Reed (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Laser, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ) – Dental Designs by Alisa Reed
Dr. Wade Williams (Orthodontics) – Wade Williams, DDS, MS
Dr. Nikita Vakil ( General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry) – Epstein & Vakil General & Cosmetic Dentistry