{"id":555,"date":"2021-07-07T06:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T06:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.enclavedental.com\/blog\/?p=555"},"modified":"2021-07-07T12:57:36","modified_gmt":"2021-07-07T12:57:36","slug":"holistic-dentist-southlake-discusses-oral-care-and-immune-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.enclavedental.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/07\/holistic-dentist-southlake-discusses-oral-care-and-immune-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How Proper Oral Care Promotes a Strong Immune System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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With the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh in our minds, many people have become more conscious about protecting their health. One especially important aspect of overall wellness is the immune system, which is responsible for fighting off infections. How can you keep your immune system strong? One way is by caring well for your oral health. Dr. Preetha Thomas, a holistic dentist in Southlake, is here to talk more about the mouth-body connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Oral Health Problems Affect the Immune System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The human mouth has hundreds of types of bacteria in it. Most of those bacteria are harmless, and some are even helpful. However, there are some varieties that, when they invade the gum tissue, cause periodontal disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gum tissue. It can lead to serious, adverse consequences for oral health, but it doesn\u2019t stop there. The bacteria that cause it can sneak into the bloodstream, increasing the body\u2019s overall burden of inflammation. On a short-term basis, inflammation is a good thing. When it becomes chronic, however, it adversely affects many bodily systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research has found that gum disease is associated with a heightened risk of numerous systemic health problems. Besides increasing the chances of heart attack, stroke, and even Alzheimer\u2019s, it can also increase the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting Your Immune System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the above information might sound a little scary, there is good news! For most patients, gum disease is relatively easy to prevent and treat. Here are some tips to help you protect your mouth, your immune system, and your overall well-being:<\/p>\n\n\n\n