By following stay-at-home recommendations, maintaining a six-foot social distance, and wearing a face mask, community members can lower their risk of spreading and catching coronavirus. In addition to these steps, it’s also important for kids and adults to boost their immune health. Fortunately, many activities you already do to keep your mouth healthy can also help raise your body’s defenses. As society pushes through the COVID-19 pandemic, here are three essential habits your family should form and how they support preventative dentistry needs.  

3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System & Fight Viruses

1. Optimize Your Oral Hygiene

Brushing twice a day for two-minute durations, flossing daily, and getting dental cleanings every six months all keep bacterial plaque and tartar under control. These dental hygiene steps, in turn, prevent common oral health conditions, including gum disease and cavities.

If these problems were allowed to develop, the body’s immune system would use resources to prevent infections from taking hold. If your body’s immune response is already in action, you might be left vulnerable to other pathogens, including the coronavirus. 

2. Eat Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide your body with a variety of immune-boosting nutrients, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. In addition to increasing your defenses against viruses, consuming these healthy snacks can help your immune system fight off oral bacteria. 

3. Exercise Every Day              

While developing a daily fitness routine can be challenging, it only takes 21 days to make it a habit. With families spending more time at home, now is an ideal moment for kids and adults to make fitness an everyday experience.

Getting a moderate amount of activity—such as walking for 30 minutes every day—benefits your overall immunity by helping the body flush out bacteria and other pathogens that may eventually cause illness. Exercise also strengthens antibodies and white blood cells, two immune system components that fight off diseases.

In terms of oral health benefits, research also suggests that people who maintain a regular fitness regimen are considerably less likely to develop gum disease.

Honolulu Keiki Dental is a top resource for kids to help defend against cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health threats. In addition to providing comfortable care for young patients, this clinic follows CDC guidelines to deter the spread of germs. Visit this Oahu pediatric dentist online to learn more about their preventative dentistry services, or call (808) 944-1603 to schedule a convenient appointment.