{"id":156,"date":"2020-07-19T21:05:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-19T21:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springfielddentist.net\/blog\/?p=156"},"modified":"2020-09-02T21:11:13","modified_gmt":"2020-09-02T21:11:13","slug":"a-healthy-mouth-means-a-healthy-body","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springfielddentist.net\/blog\/a-healthy-mouth-means-a-healthy-body\/","title":{"rendered":"A Healthy Mouth Means a Healthy Body!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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With COVID-19 still a risk, you\u2019re probably doing everything\nyou can to stay healthy and safe, including washing your hands, wearing a mask,\nsocial distancing, and staying home. However, there is another step you can\ntake to safeguard yourself from the coronavirus and it has to do with your oral\nhealth. You can actually boost your immune system and protect yourself from the\nvirus by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Read on to learn more about the\nrelationship between your oral health and your immune system to stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Oral Health, Especially Now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think of your mouth as a gateway to the rest of your body.\nThis is an easy entrance for bacteria and germs to get into your lungs and\nbloodstream. That\u2019s why maintaining a healthy smile can lower your risk of\ninfection. However, with the Coronavirus as a new reality, it\u2019s more important\nthan ever to keep your mouth clean to prevent the possibility of getting\ninfected by the Coronavirus.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease and Your Immune System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common oral health problems is gum disease,\nwhich affects around 50% of the current US population. Gum disease is an infection\nand inflammation of the gums that can lead to serious health effects like\npermanent tissue damage and tooth loss if left untreated. Thankfully, the\nearlier forms of gum disease can be reversed with a good oral health routine\nand regular dental visits.<\/a> But,\nif your gum disease persists, the bacteria that infects and inflames your gums\ncan get into your bloodstream. This sets off an alert in your immune system to\nfight these germs. When your immune system is busy fighting off gum disease,\nit\u2019s actually weaker in protecting you from potential viral infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Keep Your Immune System Strong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can kill 2 birds with 1 stone by practicing a good oral\nhealthcare routine. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each and floss\nonce to remove plaque and bacteria from your smile. You should also visit your\ndentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will keep your mouth healthy\nand allow your immune system to protect your body. Additionally, you can boost\nyour immune system by using these easy yet helpful tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n