Did you know that your dental health affects more than just your mouth? The health of your teeth and gums can affect your entire body, including your immune system. So if you’re looking to reduce your risk of catching common illnesses and want to maximize the strength of your immune system, a healthy mouth can help. 

How does your dental health affect your immune system, and how can you keep your smile healthy? Find out in this blog from Fischl Dental Associates now. 

How Does Dental Health Affect The Health Of My Immune System?

Good question! The answer is actually quite simple. When your body has to send immune cells to your mouth to fight back against oral bacteria, that means these cells can’t be used elsewhere. In turn, this weakens your immune response and makes the rest of your body less able to fight back against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Basically, our bodies can’t create an infinite number of immune cells. So if your body is trying to deal with bacteria or an infection on your mouth, the rest of your body won’t be able to fight back against harmful pathogens as effectively. 

For example, let’s consider someone who has a case of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. In this condition, the body sends a lot of immune cells to the gums, which causes them to thicken and become inflamed as they fight back against infectious bacteria. 

In serious, advanced cases of gum disease, these bacteria can even spread throughout the rest of the body, requiring the use of even more immune cells.

In contrast, a person with a healthy mouth won’t need to have as many immune cells present in their mouth, which means they’re freed up to protect your body from other threats. That’s why a healthy mouth is so important!

5 Quick Tips For A Healthier Mouth – Keep Your Immune System Strong! 

Wondering how you can guarantee that your mouth remains healthy and free of cavities and gum disease? Here are a few quick tips.

  1. Brush at least twice per day for two minutes, ideally once in the morning when you wake up, and once before you go to bed.
  2. Floss your teeth once per day. Brushing alone is not enough to remove all of the bacteria and food particles from your teeth.
  3. Use antibacterial mouthwash to supplement brushing and flossing, or to rinse your mouth when brushing isn’t practical.
  4. Maintain a healthy diet low in sugary foods and drinks and starchy snacks, which bacteria eat. Try to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, whole grains, and other minimally-processed foods.
  5. See Fischl Dental Associates every six months for a teeth cleaning and an oral exam to ensure your mouth is free of common dental issues.

Need Preventive Dentistry? Get In Touch For An Appointment Now! 

If you are overdue for a six-month teeth cleaning or oral exam, come to Fischl Dental Associates right away. Dr. Paul Fischl and Dr. Marie Bradley Fischl can provide you with the dental care you need in Evanston. Contact us online or give us a call at (847) 864-0822 to make an appointment at our office.