How Does Keeping Your Smile Healthy Keep You Safe From Coronavirus?

Did you know that a healthy smile is good for your immune system, and can actually help you protect yourself from COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as other common viruses like the flu and the common cold? It’s true, and in this blog from Del Mar Dental Studio, we’ll explain why, and give you some advice on avoiding common viral diseases like COVID-19 and the flu. 

A Healthy Smile Boosts Your Immune System & Protects You From Viruses

The reason that a healthy smile keeps you safe from coronavirus is simple. If your mouth is healthy, it’s free of infections that would place a high burden on your immune system, which means that it can respond better to other threats elsewhere in your body.

For example, if you have an infected tooth, your body will send a lot of immune cells to the area to fight back against the infection, weakening your immune response. 

But if your mouth is healthy, the white blood cells and antibodies can respond to a potential threat like COVID-19 effectively, neutralizing it and reducing your risk of becoming infected with this disease.

So make sure you’re maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, ideally once in the morning and once after your final meal of the day. You also should floss once a day, and see Dr. Todd Pizzi for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months to protect your oral health. 

Other Tips For Minimizing Your Risks Of Contracting Viruses Like COVID-19

The COVID-19 coronavirus is still a big issue in the US, and with the upcoming cold and flu season, you may be wondering how you can further reduce your risk of contracting viruses this fall and winter. Here are a few tips.

1. Wear a mask in public – Wearing a mask is the best way to protect yourself and others from viruses that are transmitted via saliva droplets, such as COVID-19 and the flu.
   
2. Wash your hands frequently – You should wash your hands before you eat food, before and after going out into public, and whenever you may have touched surfaces contaminated with viruses & bacteria. Consider carrying hand sanitizer to clean your hands in situations where you can’t access a sink and soap.
   
3. Maintain social distance – Staying at least 6 feet away from others allows saliva droplets that transmit viruses to fall harmlessly to the ground. Maintain your distance from others whenever possible.
   
4. Don’t touch your face – Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth increases your risk of contracting viral and bacterial diseases.  Do your best to avoid touching your face.
   
5. Minimize non-essential outings – Particularly while COVID-19 is a concern, do your best to avoid going out when you don’t have to. Get groceries less frequently, eat takeout instead of dine-in, and do your best to avoid crowds when walking or exercising outdoors. 

Make Sure Your Mouth Is Healthy – Contact Del Mar Dental Studio For An Appointment 

Along with proper at-home oral hygiene, preventive care like six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams from Dr. Todd Pizzi is essential if you want to keep your mouth healthy. So contact us online or give us a call at (858) 755-0187 to schedule your next consultation, and make sure you keep your immune system strong.