Although the country is slowly reopening, it’s important to remember that the threat of COVID-19 isn’t gone. Alongside practicing social distancing and washing your hands regularly, keeping your mouth clean is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself from germs. Excellent oral health plays a key role in your overall wellbeing and the strength of your immune system. Find out how taking care of your smile with a dental cleaning in Saginaw and excellent at-home oral hygiene can help keep you healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Connection Between Oral & Overall Health
Your overall health impacts your mouth and your oral health plays a role in your general wellbeing. For example, systemic health conditions like diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and kidney disease may present some of their earliest symptoms in the mouth. Similarly, poor oral health has been linked to systemic concerns like respiratory infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease. Experts believe that the harmful bacteria and inflammation associated with dental issues like gum disease and tooth infections can spread throughout the body and weaken the immune system.
Oral Hygiene, The Immune System, & COVID-19
Your mouth is naturally brimming with a wide variety of bacteria, which is typically kept in check with regular brushing and flossing. However, if allowed to build up, it can cause a range of oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and dental infections. The longer these issues go untreated, the worse they become. Eventually, your body’s immune system will be triggered.
The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that are designed to protect the body against infection. However, the more energy it spends on combatting oral health issues, the weaker it is in other areas. If you are exposed to COVID-19 while fighting an oral infection, you may be more likely to get sick and develop severe symptoms.
Tips to Stay Healthy with a Spotless Smile
To keep your immune system strong, it’s essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy by:
- Brushing your teeth thoroughly but gently for two minutes twice a day.
- Flossing between your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash daily.
- Eating a nutritious, low-sugar diet that’s high in vitamin C.
- Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Not postponing your routine dental checkups any longer than you have to.
If you are concerned about your oral health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, reach out to your Saginaw dentist. They can help you take the next steps towards recovering your happy, healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla has nearly two decades of experience keeping patients healthy with happy, beautiful smiles. He firmly believes in high quality dentistry and genuine relationships with those he is honored to care for. Now more than ever, he is encouraging his patients to maintain great dental health with excellent at-home oral hygiene. If you have questions or concerns about keeping your mouth healthy in the COVID-19 pandemic, he can be reached via his website or at (817) 989-2832.