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How Having A Healthy Smile Helps Keep You Safe From COVID-19 (And More!)

Did you know that a healthy smile can help protect you from viruses like COVID-19, as well as influenza and the common cold? It’s true, and in this blog from the office of Dr. Douglas G. Hope, we’ll discuss why this is the case, and how you can make sure you keep your mouth healthy to boost your immune system.

Why Does A Healthy Mouth Help Prevent Infection With COVID-19 & Other Viruses?

It’s simple, when you think about it. Your immune system is strong, but it can only produce a certain amount of immune cells like white blood cells and antibodies at any given time.

This means that if it’s busy fighting off an infection in one part of your body, it won’t be able to deal with other threats as effectively. So, if you have gum disease, for example, your mouth will be sending a lot of immune cells to your mouth to fight back against the bacteria in your gums. That means you have fewer immune cells to fight back against potential infections from other microbes, like the COVID-19 virus. 

In contrast, if your mouth is healthy, your immune system will be able to fight back more effectively against other threats, which could reduce your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and other virus

How Can I Keep My Mouth Healthy To Boost My Immune System?

Here are a few tips that can help you keep your mouth healthy and make sure your immune system is working at maximum capacity. 

  • Brush twice a day for two minutes – Brushing once in the morning and once after your last meal of the day is ideal, as this eliminates bacteria and food particles that contribute to decay and gum disease.
  • Floss once a day – We recommend that you floss at least once per day. This helps you avoid gum disease, as it removes food particles and debris that are inaccessible with brushing alone. 
  • Use antibacterial mouthwash – Antibacterial mouthwash helps freshen your breath and also kills oral bacteria, keeping your mouth healthy. You can rinse as much as you want, but consider doing so after flossing to rinse away debris that were knocked loose while flossing your teeth.
  • Quit smoking or using tobacco – Tobacco use is horrible for your oral health and also suppresses your immune system. Stop smoking or using oral tobacco, if applicable.
  • Watch what you eat – Try to eat a diet low in sugary and starchy foods, as well as sugary beverages. Avoid processed foods, and focus on eating lean meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and healthy dairy products. 

Contact Us Today To Get A Checkup & Keep Your Mouth Healthy

In addition to the above tips, it’s also important to see Dr. Douglas Hope for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months. This ensures that your mouth is healthy, and that Dr. Hope can catch any potential issues early. 

Overdue for an appointment in Escondido? Get the dental care you need now. Contact us online or give us a call at (760) 480-8883 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hope right away.

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