Oral Health And The Immune System: What’s the Connection?

In this very difficult time of Covid-19 and social distancing our best defense is to boost our immune systems to protect us from any and all infections (viral or otherwise).
Most do not realize that there is a strong connection between your oral health and overall health, and scientists are finding more connections all the time. If left unchecked, bacteria in your mouth can affect many different systems in the body. Heart disease, lung conditions, dementia, and diabetic complications have all been linked to poor oral health. Today we’re going to look at the connection between your oral health and the immune system
Most of the problems that can arise with your oral health start with bacteria. Your mouth is the perfect environment for colonies of bacteria to thrive — it’s moist, warm, and usually has lots of nutrients for the bacteria to feed on. Food particles that are left in your mouth help bacteria grow; that’s why it’s so important to brush and floss daily, in order to clear out the bacteria buffet and control growth. When bacteria grow out of control, they can cause both periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay (cavities). As these conditions worsen, bacteria can move from the mouth into the rest of the body.
If you don’t properly care for your teeth or see your dentist regularly, you can basically have a bacterial infection the size of your fist sitting there inside your mouth at all times. Bacteria from your mouth get into your bloodstream by way of diseased gums or places where teeth are damaged or missing.
This sets off an immune response in the body, and C-reactive protein, or CRP, is released from the liver. CRP is a substance that is released whenever there is some sort of inflammation. In the short term, it is a natural and appropriate response and doesn’t do any harm, but if CRP is being released constantly (possibly due to bacteria in the mouth causing inflammation), then it can set off a chain reaction that eventually leads to other health conditions.
Regular trips to the dentist and a consistent at-home care regimen can help you to avoid oral health problems and these more serious concerns. Preventative care is the way to go when trying to stay healthy, so make sure you’re brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day.
For more information or to make an appointment please contact us at www.PromenadeDentistry.com or call us at 661.222.2242.