How Healthy Teeth Can Help You Resist COVID-19 

Did you know that a healthy smile may be able to help you and your family resist common viruses like COVID-19, and even the common cold and influenza? 

It’s true, and in this blog from We Care Dental Care, we’ll discuss how healthy teeth help you resist viral infections, and how you can ensure you and your children keep your smiles healthy and your immune systems strong. 

A Mouth Free Of Infections Frees Up Your Immune System To Deal With Other Threats

So, how can healthy teeth help you resist COVID-19? The answer is simple. Like every other part of our body, our immune systems are limited. While your body can produce a lot of antibodies and white blood cells to respond to infectious bacteria and viruses, it can’t make an infinite supply.

That means that if you have an issue like seriously decayed/infected tooth, or you have gum disease caused by oral bacteria, your body has to send a lot of immune cells to resist the infection and mitigate its effects.

These immune cells, in turn, cannot be used to fight off other potential infections. This means your overall immune response to other external threats, including viruses like COVID-19, may not be as strong.

So by maintaining a healthy mouth, you and your kids can boost your overall resistance to common viruses, bacteria, and other threats. It’s just that simple!

Tips For You And Your Kids To Maintain Healthy Mouths 

If you want to make sure that you and your children have the best chance of resisting viruses including COVID-19, use these tips to preserve your oral health and boost your immune systems.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes – You and your kids should brush once in the morning after breakfast, and once at night after dinner. Use fluoride toothpaste, brush for two minutes, and make sure to clean each surface of the teeth thoroughly.
   
• Floss once each day – You’ll have to floss for your kids until they’re about 7-8 years old. Flossing once per day helps dislodge food debris and other particles that can’t be eliminated with brushing alone, minimizing the risk of gum disease and decay.
  
  
• Use antibacterial mouthwash – Antibacterial mouthwash is suitable for kids between 6-12 as long as they know how to properly swish and spit, and can help kill bacteria, freshening breath and reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
  
  
• Eat a “tooth-healthy” diet – As a rule, food that’s good for your body is good for your teeth, too. Minimize your intake of processed foods and sugary snacks, and try to eat mostly lean meats, healthy dairy like yogurt, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• See a dentist every six months – Your kids should see a kid-focused dentist like Dr. Benjamin Burkitt every six months for preventive care such as a teeth cleaning and oral exam. This helps you maintain your child’s oral health, and also allows our team to clean away plaque and tartar that can contribute to cavities or gum disease. 

Get An Appointment For Your Little One At We Care Dental Care Today! 

With these helpful tips, you can keep your mouth healthy and minimize your risk of contracting a virus like COVID-19. And If your child needs a routine teeth cleaning and oral exam, Dr. Burkitt and the team at We Care Dental Care are here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at 540-427-7274 to get started right away.