Is There a Link Between Oral Health and Immunity?

Oral health was once thought to stand alone. Little was known about its link to other aspects of health and well-being.

Fast forward to the modern day, and research has now shown a strong link between oral health and general health. Having a healthy mouth can contribute to a lower risk of a range of systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and more.

Your oral health may also influence your immune function, helping to protect you from harmful pathogens and infections. In this article, we’re going to discuss the fascinating link between oral health and immunity and why it’s essential to maintain great oral hygiene to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.

If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of oral health on immunity, speak to your local dentist in Zachary. Your dentist will be able to provide expert guidance and offer personalised advice to optimise your oral health.

 

The Oral Microbiome and Immunity

Your mouth contains the second largest microbiome in your body (after the gut microbiome), comprising over 700 different species of bacteria. These symbiotic bacteria are important for your oral health and perform a number of functions to keep your mouth healthy.

Disruptions in the balance of bacteria in your oral cavity can contribute to immune disturbances. For example, dysbiosis (imbalances) in your mouth bacteria can lead to gum disease, which may contribute to systemic inflammation that negatively impacts your immune function.

 

Gum Disease and Inflammation

Speaking of gum disease, this oral condition, medically known as periodontitis, leads to significant inflammation of the gum tissue. Chronic inflammation within your oral cavity can release inflammatory proteins into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. This continuous activation of the immune system may impact its ability to respond effectively to other threats throughout the body.

 

Systemic Infections

The bacteria that cause oral infections can enter the systemic bloodstream and access other areas of the body. This increases your risk of infections in organs and tissues within your body, which may be much harder for your immune system to handle.

 

Saliva and Antimicrobial Proteins

Saliva comprises lots of different components, many of which have immune functions. It contains antimicrobial proteins that play a vital role in your immune function.

In a healthy individual, these proteins help to rid the oral cavity of harmful bacteria to prevent infections. However, poor oral hygiene can reduce the number of antimicrobial proteins in the mouth and make it harder for the body to eliminate harmful pathogens before they cause infections.

 

Oral Health and Chronic Diseases

Many chronic medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, have been closely linked with poor oral health and a weakened immune system.

On the other hand, maintaining good oral health has been shown to reduce the risk of these conditions in healthy individuals and reduce the severity of symptoms in those already diagnosed with a chronic health issue.

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