How Keeping Your Teeth Healthy Protects You From COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect our everyday lives, and with winter coming up, many people may be worried about a higher likelihood of contracting this virus, due to spending more time indoors and in confined spaces. 

But did you know that there’s a simple way you can reduce your risk of getting COVID-19? If you keep your teeth healthy, you can boost your immune system! Read on to learn more from the team at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant.

A Healthy Mouth Means Your Immune System Can Respond To Threats More Effectively!

Wondering how healthy teeth and gums can protect you from COVID-19? It’s simple if you think about it. Your immune system can only produce a certain amount of immune cells, such as antibodies and white blood cells, to respond to threats posed by viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.

So if it’s busy fighting a threat in your mouth, it can’t protect you as effectively when you’re facing infections elsewhere in your body. For example, if you have gum disease, your body will have to send lots of immune cells to try to fight back against the bacteria that are infecting your gums.

If that’s the case, other threats such as COVID-19, the common cold, and the flu could have an easier time entering and infecting your body. But if your gums are healthy, your immune system will be fully prepared to address these viruses, which could help you avoid infection altogether.

How Can I Keep My Immune System Healthy And Prevent Infections? Our Top Tips 

Wondering how you can keep your mouth and immune system healthy to prevent infections and stay safe this cold and flu season? Here are a few top tips. 

• Maintain proper oral hygiene – Brush twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, and floss once daily to remove debris, plaque, and bacteria. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  
  
• See your dentist twice a year – At a preventive appointment, Dr. Candice Vinson can ensure your mouth is free of issues like gum disease and decayed or infected teeth, and remove plaque and tartar to keep your teeth healthy. 

• Get plenty of rest – Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to keep your immune system strong, and reduce your risk of contracting infectious diseases.
  
  
• Exercise daily – Even 30-60 minutes of walking per day has great benefits for your overall health and cardiovascular system, and exercise is also thought to help improve immune response.
  
  
• Eat well & stay hydrated – A proper diet low in sugar and processed foods is essential for your oral health, so eat a “tooth-healthy” diet. You should also try to drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages like cola, sweetened tea and coffee, and excessive use of alcohol.

Keep Your Mouth Healthy To Reduce Your Risk Of Infections!

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful, and will help you and your family avoid infectious diseases like COVID-19. Make sure to follow all local COVID-19 requirements in South Carolina, and if you need a checkup to make sure your teeth are healthy, contact us online or give us a call at (843) 936-1690. Dr. Vinson is always accepting new patients at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant.