Why is your immune system important?
When bacteria build up on your teeth and gums, your body activates its immune system to fight back. This sounds like a good thing, right?
Well, not always.
Your immune response triggers inflammation – redness, swelling, and bleeding – in an attempt to control the bacteria. But if the inflammation becomes long-term (chronic), it starts doing more harm than good. Instead of just attacking the bacteria, it also damages the bone and gum tissues that support your teeth.
As a result. untreated gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Worse still, ongoing inflammation in your mouth has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
The science: immuno-inflammatory
There are two main components to the response to bad bacteria:
1) Inflammation
The bad bacteria in the mouth produce chemicals and toxins that can all affect your gums directly. This can lead to the classical symptoms of gum disease, like bleeidnh gums, swollen gums, bad taste and bad bad breath.
2) Immune System (“Immuno”):
When bacteria from plaque invade the gums, your immune system reacts by sending white blood cells to fight off the infection. This response is beneficial initially, but if the infection persists, the continuous inflammation can cause damage to the gum and bone supporting your teeth. Eventually, if untreated, teeth can become loose and wobbly, and eventually fall out.
What can I do?
The good news? You can help control this immune battle! Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits with your dental professional reduce bacteria and inflammation, keeping your gums healthy and your immune system in check.
Some key lifestyle changes that you should consider:
- Stop smoking / vaping
- Eat a balanced healthy diet
- Brush twice a day with a rechargeable electric toothbrush
My thoughts and what do I use:
There are a number of things that can affect your immune system, and these other factors and variables can all impact how your body will react to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Stay tuned for next month’s post to dive into these further!
Book a check-up with Dr Dhroov Thanki, your gum health dentist, today!