{"id":156,"date":"2020-08-05T13:14:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-05T13:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/?p=156"},"modified":"2025-06-17T05:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T05:46:12","slug":"immune-system-and-how-oral-health-can-help-or-hinder-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/05\/immune-system-and-how-oral-health-can-help-or-hinder-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Health and Your Immune System: Why They Go Hand-in-Hand"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Want to avoid contracting COVID-19 or another harmful bacterium? Want to see a healthy, beautiful smile when you look in the mirror? Surprisingly, one of the best ways to keep your body\u2019s immune system<\/a> running at optimal speed is to maintain better oral health. How is this possible? Because the mouth and body are closely connected, when problems develop in one area, you can expect to experience symptoms in the other. Read on to learn more about this link and what you can do to improve your health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Poor Oral Health = Weak Immune System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve likely heard about the individuals who are considered \u201cat-risk\u201d for contracting COVID-19<\/a>. These are people who are over the age of 65 and\/or who have a compromised immune system. Whether you\u2019re 15, 38, 52, or 75, anyone can improve the state of their overall health by exercising, eating right, and keeping their teeth and gums in optimal condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you weren\u2019t expecting that last factoid to be on the list, you should know that the bacteria and particles that develop in your mouth can easily spread through your bloodstream if left untreated. As a result, your body can experience a multitude of changes and problems, all of which lower your immunity to fighting off infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halitosis (bad breath), gum disease, and cavities all develop as a direct result of bacteria accumulations within your oral cavity. Without proper treatment, you can be faced with everything from a breakdown of the enamel to tooth and bone loss as well as neurological, cardiovascular, and even respiratory disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to make sure that your mouth and body remain in the best shape possible, there are several things you can do starting today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n