Can Periodontal Disease Affect Your Immune System?

  1. How Oral Bacteria Affect the Immune System
  2. Combating Bacteria in the Mouth Keeps the Body Healthy
Both oral health and the body’s immune system have a strong connection. Our mouths serve as the entryway to our bodies. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly, it can create serious repercussions. Serious health conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, gum disease, or even cavities are related to poor oral health.

How Oral Bacteria Affect the Immune System


The body’s immune system works to guard the body. It attacks and kills bacteria within the body. An overabundance of oral bacteria can contribute to inflammatory conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Inflammation from bacteria alerts the immune system to spring into action. The inflammatory bacteria prove to be a threat to the immune system. They work relentlessly to disrupt and impair the germ-destruction response of the immune system.

As bacteria invasion increases, the immune system focuses on the mouth, destabilizing attention in other body areas where inflammation has occurred. Further inflammation may occur, hindering the immune system from targeting bacteria within other body areas. Other diseases in these areas could take over the body, causing even further ailing and complications.

Combating Bacteria in the Mouth Keeps the Body Healthy


A strong immune system eliminates a majority of bacteria within the body, preventing other infections or even gum disease from arising. Keeping abreast with our oral hygiene is crucial since it helps heighten the immune response action.

Brushing teeth daily, flossing regularly, minimizing stress, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help foster strong immunity and prevent gum disease. Make sure you drop by a dental office near you for routine checks.

Dentists examine the mouths carefully, detecting any signs of gum tissue inflammation, infection, or other abnormalities. Contact our periodontal team today to discover how important oral health is and how it impacts your immune system. We can help you keep up with your oral hygiene and protect your gums and teeth.


Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Melody Schiffer

Dr. Melody Schiffer was born and raised in Westchester, NY, and graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before continuing her education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She completed her periodontics and implant dentistry residency at New York University College of Dentistry and is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Schiffer is an active member of several dental associations and frequently lectures nationwide. She lives in Suwanee with her husband and two daughters and enjoys community services, traveling, exercising, following Michigan football, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Melody Schiffer

Read More
Dr. Nisha Kancherla

Dr. Nisha Kancherla was born and raised in Glen Dale, WV. She earned her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her residency in periodontics at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. Dr. Kancherla also earned a master’s degree in oral science for her research in genetics and stem cell research, which she published in Molecular Cancer Research. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has been in practice for eight years.

Dr. Nisha Kancherla

Read More

Judgment-Free, High-Quality Dentistry is Possible

Experience it for yourself!

Schedule Consultation
Contact Us