How Does A Healthy Mouth Prevent COVID-19?

COVID-19 is still a major concern throughout most of the country, and you may be wondering what you can do to protect yourself. Along with following mask mandates and other local and state regulations in Louisiana, keeping your mouth healthy may be one of the keys to avoiding COVID-19. 

It’s true! A healthy mouth can help you strengthen your immune system, and protect you against viruses including the flu, the common cold, and even COVID-19. Read on, and learn more from Pineville Family Dentistry. 

Oral Infections Can Negatively Affect Your Immune System

So, how does a healthy mouth help prevent COVID-19? It’s simple. Oral infections like gum disease and infected teeth can reduce your immune system’s ability to respond to other threats, impairing your overall immune response.

For example, if you have gum disease, your body has to send a lot of antibodies and other immune cells to respond to the bacteria infecting your gums and teeth. This means these cells can’t react to other threats, so if you come in contact with a virus like COVID-19, you may have a higher risk of becoming infected.

On the other hand, if you maintain your oral health properly by brushing and flossing, using mouthwash, and seeing Dr. Babb for teeth cleanings and oral exams every six months, your immune system will be stronger, and will be able to react to potential threats more easily. 

What Else Can I Do To Boost My Immune System?

Wondering how you can keep your immune system strong? Here are a few more tips you can follow to boost your resistance to common viruses. 

• Eat well & get the vitamins you need – A healthy diet that’s low in sugar is good for your oral health and your overall health, and taking vitamins can also help keep your body healthy and boost your immune system.
  
  
• Sleep 7-8 hours or more per night – Rest is essential for a healthy body, and can help improve your immune response. Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep!
  
  
• Exercise frequently – Even light exercise, such as walking for 30-60 minutes per day, can help you stay healthy and improve your immune system.
  
  
• Stop using tobacco – Tobacco is horrible for your oral health and your overall health, and also impairs your immune system. Quit smoking or using oral tobacco to stay healthy.
  
  
• Reduce alcohol intake – Over-consumption of alcohol, particularly sugary cocktails, is bad for your teeth, and excessive alcohol use also can reduce your immune response. Drink in moderation to stay healthy!
  

Contact Pineville Family Dentistry For Preventive Dental Care In Pineville! 

If you would like to get preventive dental care in Pineville to make sure your mouth is healthy and free of oral infections, Dr. Troy Babb is here to help. To get a consultation at our office, just give us a call at (318) 704-5757 or contact us online. We’re taking a variety of precautions to keep you safe from COVID-19, and provide you with the expert dental care you need in a safe, comfortable environment.