Having good immune system protection is key to preventing antigens like toxins, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, from damaging your body. Though cutting down on stress, being a healthy weight, and exercising can help keep your immune system strong, so can your smile. So that you understand the importance of taking care of your pearly whites, read on to learn more about the link between a strong immune system and good oral health.
How Your Oral Health Affects Your Immune System
Soda, candy, and other sweet foods and drinks are full of sugar, but that doesn’t mean that they’re the only things that are bad for your smile. High-carb foods like rolls are broken down into sugar in the mouth, so they feed harmful oral bacteria in the same way as sweets. When this bacteria mixes with the sugar in the foods and drinks you consume, this cause plaque to form. If you don’t brush twice and floss once per day to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles from the mouth, this may eventually lead to an infection of the gums called periodontal (gum) disease.
Left untreated, the bacteria that cause this infection will manipulate your body’s immune system to disable the processes that would otherwise get rid of them. Paired with your body focusing its efforts on fighting off bacteria in the mouth, this will weaken your immune system and raise your chances of developing infections elsewhere.
4 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Smile and Immune System
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep both your immune system and your smile healthy. Along with brushing twice and flossing once per day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing before you go to bed, you can also:
- Attend biannual checkups – Visit your dentist every six months to have your teeth thoroughly cleaned. During these visits, your dentist will also perform an exam to ensure that no oral health issues are developing.
- Eat well – Cut back on sugary, carb-heavy, and acidic foods and drinks. Make sure to eat more things that are good for your smile, such as low-fat or fat-free dairy, lean meats, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Cut out bad habits – Those who smoke cigarettes are twice as likely to develop gum disease and 10 times as likely to develop oral cancer as non-smokers. Additionally, both excessive drinking and smoking cause dry mouth, which also makes you more likely to develop gum disease. If you’re having trouble quitting, ask friends and family members for support and seek help from your dentist, doctor, or therapist.
- Get plenty of sleep – Sleep for seven to nine hours each night to feel well-rested and keep your immune system strong.
As you can see, having a healthy smile affects more than just your oral health. By caring for your pearly whites the right way, you can keep your whole body healthy and at its best!
About the Author
Have you been searching for the right dentist to fit your unique needs? This can be easier said than done. With Seaside Family Dentistry, your search is finally over. They offer a range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic services to help patients keep their smiles looking and functioning their best. For more information on their services or to schedule an appointment with Seaside Family Dentistry, visit their website or call their office at (954) 771-7636.