New Study: Chewing Your Food Could Protect Against Infection

In a new study published in the ‘Immunity” journal, researchers claim that mastication, or chewing food, can boost your immune system by increasing the secretion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in the mouth.

Role of Th17 Cells

The T helper 17 cells are a key component of the adaptive immune systems. They defend against potentially unsafe pathogens using specific antigens while tolerating beneficial bacteria that can help to improve your health.

The researchers, led by Dr. Joanne Konkel of the UK-based University of Manchester, claimed that the TH17 cells are usually secreted in the gut and the skin in the presence of beneficial bacteria. However, they were not certain about how the helper cells were produced in the mouth. 

How chewing improves your immune system.

In order to identify the relation between chewing and the release of TH17 cells in the mouth, the researchers first made the assumption that the mechanical forces involved during mastication result in damage in the mouth. So, the study sought to find out the connection between the physiological abrasion and oral Th17 cell release.

Some mice were weaned off with soft-textured foods that required minimal chewing until the age of 24 weeks, at which point the release of oral Th17 cells was measured. The researchers found a considerable reduction in the amount of oral Th17 cells produced in this group of mice compared to those weaned on hard-textured foods.

This difference was attributed to the reduction in physiological damage attributed to mastication. To emphasize this point, the researchers found that rubbing the oral cavity of the rodents with a sterile cotton applicator – to increase physiological damage in the mouth – resulted in a subsequent increase in the release of oral Th17 cells.

Mastication is beneficial in moderation.

The researchers concluded that chewing food induces a protective immune system that protects you from illness.

But while increased mastication and physiological damage increases the release of oral Th17 cells and a subsequent immunity boost, the excessive production of these cells may also prove to be detrimental by increasing the risk of gum disease and periodontitis, which in turn contribute to serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

According to the researchers, physiological damage caused by chewing is only beneficial to a certain point, after which it begins to aggravate the effects of periodontal disease. This finding was observed after weaning another group of mice with hardened food pellets until the age of 24 weeks. These rodents were observed to have more mastication-induced damage and more periodontal bone loss compared to the mice weaned on soft-textured foods.

Verdict

The researchers believe that this study could lead to the discovery of new ways to combat different illnesses, though more research should be done to understand the tissue-specific factors that control immunity at the mouth level without risking oral inflammation, which contributes to other health issues.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Untreated Cavities or Tooth Decay

Let's Talk Facts First

A 2012 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics found that one in every five Americans has an untreated cavity.

The American Dental Association cited how more people are on Medicaid, but many states have cut back dental coverage in their Medicaid programs to save money.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that tooth decay caused by cavities is one of the most common types of chronic diseases.

20 percent of children, ages 5 to 11, had untreated cavities. 13 percent of young people, ages 12 to 19, had untreated cavities, while adults, ages 20 to 44, were at a whopping 25 percent.

What happens if a cavity remains untreated? 

When someone has an untreated cavity, bacteria attack the enamel of the tooth. However, a dentist can treat this with a fluoride treatment. If the cavity is left untreated, the bacteria can affect the dentin part of the tooth.

When decay reaches the dentin, you may experience pain. To stop more damage from happening, you need to get the cavity filled.

If the cavity is not filled, then decay will progress to the nerves and blood vessels, which will likely mean a root canal, followed by a crown.

If a cavity still goes untreated, the infected pulp will eventually die, which leads to an abscess. This causes severe pain and swelling around the tooth. It can progress to the point where your tooth cannot be saved and will have to be pulled.

While a cavity cannot kill you, an untreated bacterial infection anywhere in your body, including your mouth, can possibly be fatal. Even if the cavity is not treated, you should at least get an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Did you know: Many folks may not realize that when a tooth gets cavity, the bacteria that caused the cavity can spread to another tooth and cause a new cavity.

Over time, untreated cavities can also lead to possible serious problems with your jawbone.

Tooth Decay is a Highly Preventable and Treatable Situation 

The good news is that early treatment can stop new cavities from spreading. As mentioned earlier, if a cavity is caught early on, a tooth-colored filling or composite bonding can stop the problem from getting worse. However, if the cavity is larger, then a root canal and crown may be needed.

Of course, the best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay is early detection by a dentist. These days, dentists use high-tech equipment like X-rays, Spectra (ultraviolet light) and the Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid, which takes very detailed dental X-rays without people having to bite down on X-ray film.

It’s important to remember that a cavity will not fix itself. While it may seem like a minor problem today, a cavity will only get worse and worse if left untreated.

You can avoid serious and expensive complications by getting your cavity treated as soon as possible. Stop waiting and make an appointment with an experienced dentist today so that you don’t have to needlessly suffer in the future.