How Does A Healthy Mouth Help Prevent COVID-19?

Did you know that keeping your mouth healthy may reduce your risk of catching COVID-19 or getting sick with the flu or the common cold? It’s true, and in this article from St. Clair Tooth Co., we’ll be discussing what you need to know about how a healthy mouth can help you avoid getting sick. 

A Healthy Mouth Ensures Your Immune System Can Respond To Other Threats 

Your body’s immune system is complex, powerful, and great at responding to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. But it’s limited, and it can only create a certain amount of immune cells at any given time.

This means that if you have a serious dental health issue, such as gum disease or an infected tooth, a lot of immune cells have to be sent to combat the infection.

In turn, this means that there are fewer immune cells that can be sent to other threats within your body, and this includes viruses like COVID-19. If you have serious oral infections, your overall immune response won’t be as strong as it could be. 

In contrast, if your mouth is healthy and free of any major issues, your body can send immune cells to respond to viruses more effectively, which helps boost your immune system and could help you resist COVID-19 and other threats to your health.

Why Are Six-Month Dental Exams So Important For A Healthy Mouth?

If you brush twice a day, floss once a day, use mouthwash, and take other steps to keep your teeth strong like eating a healthy diet that’s low in sugar, you may think that seeing a dentist like Dr. Carly Cassleman for six-month dental exams isn’t that important.

But that’s not the case! Here are just a few reasons why six-month dental exams are so important for a healthy mouth. 

• Ensure your mouth is healthy – Dr. Cassleman can look for signs of tooth decay and infection, as well as gum disease and other oral health issues, and if she notices a problem, you can get the help you need right away.

• Remove the buildup of plaque & tartar – Over time, bacteria-filled plaque may turn into tartar, which is impossible to remove with at-home brushing alone. During your visit at our office, your mouth will be professionally cleaned to remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar.
  
  
• Get recommendations for preventive care – Depending on your oral health, Dr. Cassleman may recommend additional preventive care such as fluoride treatments to reduce your risk of developing cavities.

Schedule Your Next Six-Month Teeth Cleaning And Oral Exam Today!

If you need a checkup in St. Clair Shores or Grosse Pointe, Dr. Carly Cassleman is here to help. Contact St. Clair Tooth Co. online or give us a call at (586) 404-4911 to get the preventive care you need. Dr. Cassleman can treat patients of all ages, and we’re taking every precaution we can to keep you safe from COVID-19 during your appointment, so you can get the dental care you need and enjoy peace of mind.