The COVID-19 outbreak has become a part of daily life, and many people are wondering how they can protect themselves and prevent infection. 

Beyond following all local and state health recommendations in Denver and Colorado, maintaining a healthy mouth is a great way to keep your immune system strong and reduce your risk of contracting viruses like COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold. Find out more in this blog from Poulos, Somers & Marshall now! 

Oral Infections Compromise Your Immune Response – Keep Your Mouth Healthy! 

It may seem a bit strange that good oral health is so important for preventing you from contracting COVID-19, but it’s true! If your mouth has a serious oral infection, such as an infected tooth or gum disease, this will reduce your overall immune response in other parts of your body.

Since your body can’t produce unlimited immune cells, that means a lot of white blood cells, antibodies, and other cells will have to be sent to your mouth to fight back against the infection. 

In turn, that means fewer immune cells are available to respond to threats elsewhere in your body. So if you want to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 and other infectious diseases this winter, keeping your mouth healthy is a very good idea! 

Our Tips For Avoiding Tooth Decay And Gum Disease For Better Oral Health

Wondering how you can avoid tooth decay, infected teeth, and gum disease? Here are a few top tips that will help you maintain your oral health. 

• Brush twice a day – It’s best to brush once in the morning and once after your final meal of the day. You can even brush three times if you want, to ensure your mouth is as healthy as possible. Be thorough, brush for at least two minutes, and use fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day – We recommend flossing once per day to remove food and bacteria that can’t be eliminated with brushing alone. Don’t overlook this step!
• Consider using mouthwash – Antibacterial mouthwash kills bacteria and freshens your breath. Using mouthwash after flossing can also help rinse away any food particles that were loosened by flossing, so this is a great way to incorporate it into your routine.
• Watch what you eat – The more sugar you eat, the more bacteria will form in your mouth, leading to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. To keep your mouth healthy, try to reduce your intake of sugary beverages, candy, and starchy snacks like chips and pretzels.
• Get a teeth cleaning & oral exam every 6 months – Make sure you get regular preventive care from the doctors at Poulos, Somers & Marshall to keep your smile healthy, and to ensure you’re free of gum disease and tooth decay.

Schedule Your Next Checkup Today At Our Office In Denver

If you would like to schedule a checkup in The Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill, or anywhere else Denver, Poulos, Somers & Marshall is here to help. Our doctors are always accepting new patients, so contact us online or give us a call at (303) 832-4867 to get a consultation and schedule the preventive dental care you need right away.