Your oral and bodily health are much more connected than you might think. For example, did you know that practicing good oral hygiene can fortify your immune system? Since your mouth is a point of entry for bacteria and germs to enter your respiratory system and bloodstream, keeping it healthy will ensure your immune system remains strong. Read on as your dentist in Hamden explains this relationship and the steps you can take to promote good overall health.
The Link Between Oral and Overall Health
In case you didn’t know, everyone’s mouth has a healthy flora of its own bacteria. While most of it is harmless and does not typically enter the bloodstream, allowing it to remain unchecked can lead to gum disease and inflammation. Unfortunately, both can negatively affect your body and immune system. With good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, your body can naturally keep bacteria under control and prevent them from reaching dangerous levels.
How Does Gum Disease Weaken Your Immune System?
When bacteria feed and grow on food particles that have accumulated between and around your teeth, it can cause gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease, is characterized as red, swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. It can easily be reversed by brushing, flossing, or with a professional dental cleaning. But if left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis, a more severe state of inflammation that attacks the underlying bone holding teeth in place.
Your immune system plays a crucial role in keeping your body healthy by attacking and killing bacteria that invade it. Since inflammation can make your immune system work overtime, it causes it to weaken and ignore other parts of your body. If the immune system is not strong enough to keep up, then disease, infections, and inflammation in other parts of the body can take over and lead to other complications.
Tips to Keep Your Immune System Strong
If you lead a healthy lifestyle, your immune system will be strong and able to prevent infections like gum disease from developing. Here are some tips to keep your immune system strong:
- Minimize stress
- Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes a day)
- Get an adequate amount of sleep
- Practice good oral hygiene (brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily)
- Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Regularly see your dentist for cleanings and exams
In a nutshell, by keeping your gums healthy, your immune system can focus its attention on other parts of your body and ensure your overall health is in its best shape!
About the Practice
At DP General Dentistry, we strive to provide outstanding dental care that will exceed all your expectations. Our team uses the latest techniques, technologies, and materials to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. We also enjoy educating our patients to help them make informed and confident decisions about their oral health. For more information on how good oral health can fortify your immune system, visit our website or call (203) 288-0951.
