Did you know that one of the best ways to boost the effectiveness of your immune system is to clean your mouth correctly? Do you need to minimize the buildup of bacteria on your teeth and gums?
Do you know that your oral health and immune system go hand in hand? Your mouth is a gateway into your body and does its best to fight off anything compromising your well-being. But if oral hygiene is left unchecked, it can have dire consequences on the body. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, gum disease, and cavities have all been linked to poor oral health.
If you want to boost your immune response and at the same time avoid sicknesses from common viruses and bacteria – then you should maintain proper oral health. Read below to learn how your oral health can affect your immune system.
Bacteria is the Connection
Almost all problems arising from poor oral health are from bacteria. Your mouth is the ideal env for bacteria to thrive.
Your oral cavity is warm, moist, and has ample nutrients for bacteria. Food particles are left behind if you fail to brush or floss regularly. These leftover food particles will help bacteria grow and fester in your gums. When bacteria growth is out of control – many complications can occur.
Though bacteria enter via the mouth, you would agree that your complications are not limited to only the dental cavity. These bacteria can also infect your bloodstream and respiratory system if left unchecked.
The most common form of gum disease bacteria, which you may know as gingivitis – is only a mild case. However, the severe case is known as periodontitis. Periodontal disease can build up in the mouth and enter the rest of the body via the bloodstream.
When it enters your bloodstream, it can set off an immune response. The immune reaction may set off a chain reaction leading to other health complications if not addressed early.
How it Affects the Immune System
Do you know that it is the job of your immune system to attack and kill any bacteria that invade your body? Gingivitis and periodontal disease are inflammatory diseases. They arise from an overabundance of bacteria. Inflammation from bacteria immediately signals your immune system to step into action.
These inflammatory bacteria are enemies of the immune system and work tirelessly to disrupt the germ-killing response of your immune system.
Did you know that when your immune system must focus on the mouth – it naturally subverts attention from other body parts where inflammation and infections might occur?
As a result, this subversion promotes further inflammation. It inhibits your immune system from attacking invading bacteria in other parts of the body. Having other underlying health conditions will increase the severity of this process. As a result, it causes the disease to take over the body.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy, Help Keep Your Body Healthy
A healthy and robust immune system will keep the bacteria in your mouth and the rest of your body in check. It will also minimize the threat of adverse health effects. When the whole system is fully functional, it will quickly eliminate bacteria and prevent other infections.
As we make do with current circumstances, it is more important to maintain good oral health and to protect your immune system. To ensure both a happy and healthy smile and a healthy system, you should engage in the following:
- Brush teeth every day
- Floss regularly
- Wash hands frequently
- Exercise regularly
- Minimize stress
- Get proper sleep
- Eat a healthy diet, and avoid acidic drinks and sugary food items.
- Avoid smoking
- Consume alcohol moderately
- Maintain a healthy weight
Does Oral Health Affect Your Immune System?
Yes it is true. If you have a healthy mouth that is free of bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities, your overall immune response will likely be stronger. It means, your body will be able to deal with viruses and bacteria more effectively.
Why? The reason being, like every other system of your body, the immune system is limited. Your body produces a lot of immune cells like antibodies and white blood cells. As there are so many that can be made at once they can effectively fight against the viruses.
That simply means that your body is using immune cells to fight back against infections and bacteria in your mouth. There will be fewer cells that can help with other threats throughout your body.
If you have gingivitis or gum infection, for example, your immune cells will spread into your gums. The infection will help destroy the bacteria that may cause the infection.
Your gums will swell and become inflamed as your body will attempt to remove the bacteria. Since most of your body’s immune cells must be sent to your mouth, your immune system will not be able to respond to other threats as effectively.
Why Oral Health Is Important
You would all agree that taking care of your oral health is crucial as it ensures that your teeth remain healthy, shiny, and functional for a lifetime. You also know that taking care of your overall health will help give you the best possible life possible.
Most of us overlook how those two things interact. You should agree that oral health is a big part of your overall health. It impacts the rest of your body in surprising ways. In particular, the interaction between your oral health and your immune systems is worth discussing. The interplay between them reveals much about what is happening with your health and your body.
Understanding the position your oral health occupies in your body is helpful. At the beginning of your dietary or digestive system – the mouth connects directly and indirectly to every other major system in your body. Once the food or drink moves through your digestive system, these items carry bacteria and other microorganisms with them.
In addition, the bacteria present in the oral cavity have access to the circulatory system and might spread through the blood. Some bacteria or other microorganisms are helpful, some are benign, but others are harmful. So with that in mind, what harm can they do to your body?
Impact of Oral Infection
As it turns out, several health issues are often linked to oral health, particularly gum disease. Gum disease is also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease. The impact of such infections on the rest of the body could be significant, which are as follows:
- Endocarditis. Note that the infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) occurs. It happens when bacteria or other germs from other parts of your body spread to those tissues and infect them. While the connection is not fully understood, we do know that gum disease and other oral infections can lead to endocarditis if left untreated.
- Cardiovascular disease. While we are still learning more about the connection between them, heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke may be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria might cause.
- Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum diseases are in their advanced state, called periodontitis. Remember that the condition is linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia. It is important to note that some types of bacteria responsible for oral infections might be pulled into your lungs. As a result, it may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Any of these above-mentioned can lead to serious health issues, many of which can lead to lasting complications. So with that in mind, what is the best way to support oral health and thus support the entire immune system?
Therefore, you should agree that the basics of healthy living via oral health are pretty simple. You should start with a healthy diet combined with a regular and effective brushing and flossing routine.
Dental Care is Important
Also, remember that cleaning your teeth at least twice a day could go a long way towards preserving and enhancing your oral health. Therefore, visit your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings as they are a must in ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy.
They also ensure that your smile stays bright. If it is time for a dentist visit, get in touch today. Our friendly and helpful staff will arrange to get you into the office and start your journey towards a bright, healthy smile.
Keep Your Smile Healthy at Dentist Ahmed
The best way to protect both your oral health and the immune system is to have your teeth cleaned by your dentist. Therefore you need to visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleaning is required by routine visits to the dental clinic.
Likewise, if you are experiencing tooth pain, bleeding gums, discomfort in your mouth, or difficulty chewing – you should consult your dentist immediately. At Dentist Ahmed, our staff provides best-in-class dental services thus ensuring a happy and healthy smile. You can contact our office to learn more about our services or you can also schedule an appointment today. Because once you visit our clinic in Dubai, you will never want to go to any other dental provider again.
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