How Flossing Can Boost Your Immune System

If you want to avoid getting sick during cold or flu season, or at any other time when illnesses are going around, one of your biggest allies in the fight against viruses could be flossing your teeth! Flossing regularly is a great way to provide your immune system with a boost, and stay healthy while illnesses are going around. How does flossing help, and how can you do it properly? Read on and find out in this blog from Cibolo Family Smiles.

Flossing Removes Bacteria From Your Mouth, Promoting A Strong Immune System 

Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of bacteria. Most of these are harmless, but some of them consume the food debris left behind after eating, reproduce, and excrete acid that can wear away at your enamel. If they are not removed, they will eventually try to infect your gum tissue. 

When bacteria infect your gum tissue, your body must send immune cells like antibodies and white blood cells to the gums. Your gums will become thickened and inflamed as part of your natural immune response, as your body tries to prevent the bacteria from infecting your gums and mouth. 

But when this happens, your body has fewer immune cells to deploy to other viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms that may enter your body elsewhere, leading to a less effective overall immune response.

However, proper oral hygiene can help. Brushing your teeth removes only about 60% of bacteria and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing between your teeth helps remove most of the remaining bacteria and food particles.

In turn, this means that your gums will become less inflamed, since fewer bacteria will be present in your mouth. This allows your immune cells to be deployed elsewhere, and strengthens your immune system! 

Our Top Flossing Tips – Get The Most Out Of Your Oral Hygiene Routine! 

Wondering how you can keep your mouth healthy and boost your immune system with flossing? Here are a few top flossing tips from Cibolo Family Smiles.

• Floss at least once per day – We recommend either flossing when you wake up, or when you go to bed. As long as you floss at least once per day, you’ll benefit from better oral health. If you have time, you can consider flossing twice per day to remove even more bacteria!
  
• Don’t worry about a little blood when flossing – Your gums will likely be inflamed and sensitive if you have not flossed regularly for a long time. This leads to a higher chance of bleeding. Don’t worry if your gums bleed a bit for the first week or two that you’re flossing regularly. This is normal.
  
• Use proper technique – Not sure if you’re flossing right? This video will provide you with a helpful overview of the proper technique. 
  
• Floss before or after brushing, whichever you prefer – It doesn’t matter what order you brush and floss in, as long as you brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Do whatever you prefer! 
  

Keep Your Mouth Healthy And You’ll Keep Your Body Healthy, Too! 

As you can see, your oral health and your overall health are intimately connected. So whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, or just maintain a healthier mouth, flossing is critical, along with regular brushing.

Six-month preventive care visits at Cibolo Family Smiles are also essential for fighting back against oral health issues like cavities and gum disease, and ensuring that your mouth remains healthy. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel, just contact Cibolo Family Smiles online, or give us a call at (210) 797-7740. We’re always accepting new patients.