06 Jan Does Teeth Whitening Make Teeth Sensitive? What You Should Know

Did you know that a healthy mouth can encourage a better overall immune system response to other threats, and reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and other common viruses like the common cold and the flu? It’s true, and in this blog from Smile Society General Dentistry, we’ll discuss the basics of how a healthy mouth can help prevent COVID-19.

Oral Infections Can Compromise The Immune System, Raising Your Risk Of Getting Sick 

So, how does a healthy mouth help prevent COVID-19? A healthy mouth boosts your immunity because if your mouth is healthy, it’s free of common oral infections that can negatively affect your immune system. 

An infected tooth or gum disease (periodontitis), for example, requires your body to send a lot of immune cells to fight back against bacteria in your mouth. 

These antibodies, white blood cells, and other immune cells can’t do two things at once, so they’ll be occupied with your oral infection.

This means that threats elsewhere in your body, including COVID-19, may not be responded to as quickly by your immune system, which could increase your risk of getting sick. 

So if you maintain great oral health and avoid oral infections, the opposite will happen! Your mouth will be free of major issues, and your immune system can eliminate other viruses, bacteria, and parasites in your body more effectively. 

Tips For Maintaining Your Oral Health – Keep Your Immune System Strong 

If you want to keep your mouth healthy, there are a few simple steps you should follow. 

• Maintain good oral hygiene – Brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day, and consider using antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria, strengthen your teeth, and freshen your breath.
  
• Watch what you eat – A diet high in sugary foods and drinks and processed foods can contribute to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. To protect your teeth, eat a healthy diet high in vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy dairy, and lean meats.
  
• Stay hydrated – Proper hydration is essential for maintaining saliva flow. If your mouth is too dry, food particles won’t be rinsed away as effectively and you may have a higher risk of gum disease and cavities, so drink plenty of water each day.
  
• Quit using tobacco – Oral tobacco use of all kinds, including both smoking and chewing tobacco, dramatically raises your risk of tooth decay and oral infections, suppresses your immune system, and is horrible for your overall health
  
• Reduce alcohol consumption – Alcohol, particularly sugary drinks and cocktails, can contribute to your risk of gum disease and cavities, and excessive alcohol use also has a negative effect on the immune system. 

Contact Smile Society General Dentistry For A Checkup Today! 

Along with the above tips, it’s important to see a dentist like Dr. Munira Sulaiman or Dr. Mandeep Singh for a six-month teeth cleaning and oral exam. At your consultation, your dentist can examine your mouth, ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, and provide you with a customized treatment plan to improve your oral health. Contact us online or give us a call at (609) 779-2054 to get started right away.