Weak Immune System? Don’t Skip Dental Visits

There are many medical conditions and diseases that can cause patients to have a weakened immune system. Since this makes you more susceptible to germs and infection, you may avoid going into public places and health care clinics as much as possible. While it is necessary to follow your physician’s advice about exposure risk, don’t dismiss the importance of professional dental care. In fact, going to the dentist can become even more important if you have a weak immune system!

The Mouth – Body Connection

The link between body health and oral health is undeniable. Countless research studies have proven this. Your mouth is a home to a large number of germs. While most of the bacteria in your mouth is harmless, some of them can cause serious diseases and infection. When bad bacteria lingers in the mouth and reaches high levels, your general health is threatened. If your immune system is not working the way it should, your whole-body threat rises even more.

Gum disease, which can develop from poor oral hygiene and skipped dental visits, is one of the most serious oral health conditions linked to general health. Untreated periodontal disease is associated with Studies have indicated that there is some connection between oral bacteria found in periodontitis and certain diseases. Some diseases like diabetes and HIV/AIDS can cause oral infections to become severe because of the body’s lowered resistance to infection.

Conditions Linked to Poor Oral Health

When it comes to poor oral health, gum disease is the primary culprit for causing problems within your body. Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums. If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss as well as serious complications within the body.

Among the general health problems linked to poor oral health are:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy and childbirth complications (premature birth and low birth weight)
• Pneumonia (certain bacteria are inhaled as you breathe)

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

Brushing and flossing at home is critical, but these oral hygiene tasks are typically not enough to keep your mouth fully healthy. A professional dental cleaning and checkup is recommended twice a year for all patients, especially those that struggle to fight off infection and bacteria.  If you have a compromised immune system, schedule your dental visit with Dr. Mitzi Morris today. We promise to care for you in a clean, sterile environment that protects your overall health at every step.