In the wake of Covid, just about everyone is a little bit more conscientious about the state of their immune system, and worried about what could happen if they get sick. If you’re concerned about ensuring that you’re in the best health possible, you’re certainly not alone.
One thing you may not be aware of is that the state of your oral health is heavily related to the quality of your immune system. If you’re wondering how here’s what you should know.
Connections Between Gum Disease and the Immune System
As you may know, the immune system has finite resources to fight disease. The white blood cells that are primarily responsible for fighting off illness can only handle so much at one time, and if you’re dealing with multiple conditions at once, they may be stretched pretty thin.
Gum disease can cause all kinds of inflammation in the mouth, which is something that your immune system has to deal with so that it doesn’t get out of control. While you may only be dealing with a fairly mild case of the condition, there’s still extra pressure on your immune system.
When you get a cold, the flu, or covid, having to deal with gum disease as well makes those things harder for your immune system to handle. In that way, having outstanding oral health problems can contribute to negative health outcomes in other parts of the body.
How to Manage Gum Disease
If you want to make sure that you’re capable of fighting off disease to the full extent that you can, it’s a good idea to keep your oral health in good condition. A great place to start is in dealing with gum disease; it’s estimated that around 50% of adults have it to some extent, so it’s a good idea to be proactive about managing it.
You should make sure that your dental hygiene is as thorough as it can be—brush twice a day, floss every day, and make use of antibacterial mouthwash to stymie the growth of harmful bacteria. Finally, make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings so that they can remove plaque buildup from places you can’t reach on your own.
About the Author
Dr. James Kramer has over 30 years of experience in dentistry, and when he comes into the office every day, he aims to put that wealth of clinical expertise to work for his patients. There’s nothing he enjoys more than being able to meet new people and help them smile brighter. Dr. Kramer received his doctorate from the Temple University School of Dentistry, and since then he has earned Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor earned by less than 5% of dentists in the U.S.
If you have any questions about how to protect your oral health, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (302) 436-5133.