How Gum Disease Makes You More Susceptible to Viruses
Gum disease is a condition that can occur at any age and even in healthy adults.
It is prevalent in the US, according to a CDC report. About 47% of adults 30 years old and above have some form of periodontitis (gum disease) that also increases with age.
The same report states that adults 65 and older (about 70.1%) have it.
Gum Disease Affects Your Health
Studies show that gum disease may worsen any health condition because it’s a bacterial infection, which could spread throughout the body, if untreated. The bacteria responsible release toxins that travel into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and clogging of the arteries. This condition may increase one’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. And if you have diabetes, periodontitis may worsen it because the gums are inflamed, and this inflammation can increase blood sugar levels. And as your body fights the gum disease, diabetes can be harder to manage.What is Interferon and Why is it Important?
Interferon is considered to be our body’s first immune response in the oral cavity. It is a naturally-occurring substance in the body that fights infection and diseases, like cancer. Interferon plays a huge part in our body’s natural defense against pathogenic infections and diseases, including the Coronavirus. When our body is infected by pathogens, including viruses, cells release interferon as part of the body’s defense system. There is a specific type of interferon, which is generated by cells in your mouth. These specialized proteins protect us from both viral and bacterial infection. But here’s the problem: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), the primary pathogen causing periodontitis (gum disease), makes interferon less effective in shielding us from viral and bacterial infections. These oral pathogens prevent the infected gum cells from alerting the immune system.Gum Disease Makes You More Susceptible to Viruses
Research has shown that the presence of P. gingivalis can suppress the production of interferon and make people more susceptible to viral infection. What’s even worse, P. gingivalis can shut down immune responses in patients suffering from periodontitis and therefore increase the severity of the original periodontitis.How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?
Having an oral hygiene routine that provides regular attention to your mouth will you’re your gums healthy. And that will strengthen your immune system so that it can better protect you from viral (and bacterial) infection. Here are some oral care tips:- Brush teeth twice daily.
- Quit smoking – because it increases the risk of gum disease.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, particularly a fiber-rich diet.
- Use an oral irrigator daily. Oral irrigation is more effective than flossing. Our favorite is Hydro Floss, an innovative oral irrigation system that has helped many patients improve their oral health, using plain tap water! Use our code (14031) to save money when you purchase.
- Replace your toothbrush every few months.
- Visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year, recommends the American Dental Association, but you should visit more often if you have a history of gum disease.
