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How Oral Health Affects Your Immune System

February 11, 2025

The mouth is the portal to a lot of our joys in life. According to our dentist in North Charleston, SC, intricate oral and periodontal dental care enables us to breathe fresh air, eat delectable meals, remain hydrated, communicate with friends and family, and even enjoy what we eat.  

However, you may not be aware that the mouth is constantly brimming with active microorganisms. These bacteria are considered “healthy” bacteria that help guard the mouth against harm and threats from the outside world. By neutralizing toxic acids and dissolving food, saliva also helps to protect the mouth.  

Your mouth is one of the main entry points for germs and viruses. Bacteria can enter the mouth, throat, lungs, teeth, or even gums, where they can spread to other parts of the body and cause more severe diseases.  

What can you do to maintain a clean smile and prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on your teeth and gums? You may improve your at-home dental hygiene and combat mouth microorganisms by following a few straightforward measures.  

Woman brushing her teeth North Rivers Dental

Steps For Better Dental Health  

Brush Your Teeth

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Using fluoride toothpaste for two minutes in the morning and at night will strengthen your teeth, remove food particles, and eliminate the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.  

Floss Your Teeth

It would be best to floss at least once daily because it effectively cleans tooth surfaces that brushing alone cannot reach. Daily flossing is also essential to a healthy at-home oral care regimen.  

Use a Mouthwash  

Add mouthwash to your oral hygiene regimen. After flossing, we advise that you rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash. This can help remove food particles that were removed when you flossed. It also eliminates bacteria that are still present in your mouth.  

Healthy Diet

Eat a nutritious diet free of simple carbs and sugars. Try to limit your sugary meals and beverages, as well as items like crackers and potato chips that are high in refined carbs. The reason for this is that the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease love both starch and sugar.  

Woman at North Rivers Dental treatment

Maintain a Strong Immune System With the Help of a Dentist in North Charleston, SC

Maintaining adequate dental health is crucial if you want to strengthen your immune system and prevent illnesses caused by common viruses and bacteria. To book your oral examination in North Rivers, get in touch with us. 

Contact Us To Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Hear It From Them

The best way to understand our commitment to quality care is to hear from those who know us best—our patients! We’re proud of the work we do and invite you to see what they have to say:

This was my first visit, and I am truly impressed!  The facility is very inviting in every way, the staff is outstanding, kind, & professional, and I am happy to say that I have found my dental home place! 😊  Thank You!

Deborah A..

It brings happy tears to my eyes knowing that my smile is fixed. Dr. Jake worked for 2 1/2 hours repairing old, cracked fillings, sealed between my teeth. This weighed on my confidence for three years and I barely ever wanted to talk. My teeth are restored back to their original state and it’s unbelievable what a patient, and kind dentist can do for one’s confidence. I owe ya one, Dr Jake!"

Alejandra M.

Scheduled my elderly mother a new patient visit and every single staff member we were in contact with was EXTREMELY helpful and so sweet! I’m thinking of switching myself! We couldn’t be happier with this office!

Alison F.

I have been going to Dr Emerson at North Rivers Dental for years now and every time I go I never had a bad experience. Thank you all!

Cynthia D.
10/18/2019

I have been going to North Rivers for 10+ years, I have always received excellent care, the staff is helpful and very friendly.

Glenn J.
10/28/2019

Dr Cates is exceptionally talented in the dental profession. Everyone at North Rivers Dental are so helpful and friendly.

James T.
09/09/2019

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