As we face a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s a good time to think about ways to strengthen our immune systems. Did you know that oral health and the immune system are intrinsically linked? Having poor oral health can put additional strain on your immune system – especially worrying when this is a time when we all want our immune systems to be as strong as possible!
How Oral Health Affects Your Immune System
If you have poor oral health, you are at risk of having bacteria, inflammation, and infections like gum disease in your mouth. Your immune system works by making a certain amount of cells like antibodies and white blood cells which fight illnesses and infections. So, if your immune system is working hard to attack bacteria and fight infections in your mouth, it won’t have the same ability to do so elsewhere in your body. It simply won’t be able to send as many immune cells to other parts of your body, weakening your overall immune response.
Maintaining regular dental appointments, plus having a great brushing and flossing routine at home, helps to ensure your teeth, gums and mouth are all healthy, and that your immune system isn’t compromised through having to constantly deal with oral health issues. It’s also worth noting that many adults who do not see their dentist regularly are unaware that they have some degree of gum disease.
Oral health issues can also lead to greater health problems. It is estimated that an untreated tooth infection can increase your risk of heart disease by nearly three times, as well as increase your risk of a stroke! The inflammation can cause issues with the blood vessels leading to your heart, as well as the blood pathways to your brain.
Delaying Dental Appointments
The lockdowns, stress, and financial impacts of Covid-19 over the past two years have meant that many of us have delayed our regular dental appointments. But if you are not taking good care of your teeth and gums, your body’s ability to fight off illness can be compromised. Put your immune system in the strongest possible position by ensuring your dental check ups and hygiene appointments are completely up to date and there are no underlying problems that you may not be aware of.
Please contact us to book your dental check-up or hygiene appointment today.
