How Does A Healthy Mouth Help Prevent COVID-19?

Did you know that good oral health may actually help you avoid COVID-19 and other infectious diseases like the flu and the common cold? It’s true! And in this blog from the office of Wesley C. Wise, DDS & Assoc., we’ll discuss how good oral health can boost your immune system and help you avoid viruses like COVID-19.

A Healthy Mouth Means A Healthy & Strong Immune System

So, how does a healthy mouth help prevent COVID-19? It’s simple to understand! If your mouth is healthy, your immune system will be strong, because it’s not occupied fighting against oral infections.

For example, let’s say that you have a few infected teeth, or a serious case of gum disease (periodontitis). If this is the case, your body has to send quite a few immune cells like antibodies and white blood cells to the infection site, since it will be trying to fight off the infection.

This means that those immune cells can’t be sent to fight against threats elsewhere in the body. And because your body can’t produce an unlimited number of immune cells, this results in a lower overall immune response.

In contrast, if your mouth is healthy and free of infections, your body’s immune cells can respond to threats entering your body more quickly, which could help you avoid getting sick. So if you want to avoid getting viruses like COVID-19 or the flu, a healthy mouth is essential! 

How Can I Keep My Mouth Healthy? Helpful Steps For At-Home Oral Care

If you want to maintain great oral hygiene and keep your mouth healthy to avoid getting sick, proper at-home oral care is the most important step. There are a few ways you can keep your mouth clean and healthy.

• Brush 2-3 times per day – You should brush at least twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. Brushing 3 times per day is even better, if possible!
  
  
• Floss once per day – You can’t remove all of the debris from your teeth and gums with brushing alone. Flossing once per day helps remove food particles from narrow gaps and spaces that can’t be reached with your toothbrush.
  
  
• Eat right & avoid excess sugar – Eating a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, healthy dairy, and lean meats will help improve your overall health. Avoiding sugary, starchy, and processed foods also helps reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This helps rinse away food particles and stimulates saliva production. Avoid drinking soda, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee and tea as much as possible. 

Come To The Office Of Wesley C. Wise, DDS & Assoc. For A Teeth Cleaning! 

In addition to great at-home oral care, it’s important to see an Oak Park dentist like Dr. Wesley Wise for a six-month teeth cleaning and oral exam to keep your mouth healthy. So contact us online or give us a call at (708) 524-0330 now to schedule a consultation in Oak Park, and get started right away.