{"id":193,"date":"2022-02-09T12:41:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T12:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.regiondentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=193"},"modified":"2022-03-14T12:47:19","modified_gmt":"2022-03-14T12:47:19","slug":"immune-system-protection-good-oral-health-how-they-are-connected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regiondentalcare.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/09\/immune-system-protection-good-oral-health-how-they-are-connected\/","title":{"rendered":"How Good Oral Health Encourages a Strong Immune System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There is a range of ways to increase immune system protection, such as minimizing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Though these are all excellent ways to keep your body functioning as intended, did you know that having a healthy smile can also affect your ability to fight off diseases? Read on to learn about the link between good oral health<\/a> and a strong immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Your Oral Health Affects Your Immune System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By now, you probably know that foods and drinks like soda and candy contain a lot of sugar, which is bad for your smile. But did you know that bread, crackers, and other starchy and carb-heavy foods break down into sugar in your mouth? When you eat these foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on them and release acids that attack your tooth enamel, which raises your risk of developing cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving plaque, bacteria, and food particles in your mouth also gives bacteria a chance to enter the gums and cause an infection called periodontal (gum) disease. If left untreated, the bacteria that cause gum disease will begin to manipulate your body\u2019s immune system, which leads to the processes that would otherwise get rid of it being disabled. Additionally, since your body will be focusing its efforts on fighting off bacteria in the mouth, your immune system will be weakened and your chances of developing infections in other parts of the body will go up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Smile and Immune System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there are several ways that you can keep your smile and immune system healthy. For example, use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice per day for two minutes. You should also floss at least once per day, preferably after your last meal or before you go to bed, to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Other ways to care for your smile and overall health include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n