8 Oral Care Tips For People With Diabetes!

Diabetes is a condition that causes the blood sugar in your body to increase more than the normal level. Insulin, a hormone produced in your pancreas, uses the glucose obtained from the food you eat to energize your cells. When the body does not produce enough insulin, the glucose stays in the blood and causes health problems.

If you have diabetes, you might develop oral problems. You need to know the reasons behind this so as to prevent such problems.

What is the connection between diabetes and oral health?

Dental problems usually begin with a layer or film of germs on the teeth, known as plaque. This plaque can lead to tooth decay, gum diseases and swelling in the gums. High levels of blood sugar make the plaque grow even more. More glucose impairs the white blood cells in the body that are important for fighting diseases and germs in the mouth. As a result, you are unable to defend yourself against the infections in your mouth caused by bacterial growth.

Moreover, if you smoke then you are at a higher risk of developing diseases such as periodontal disease, gingivitis and thrush. You may suffer from soreness in the mouth, oral ulcers, and numbness. This is because smoking also damages the white blood cells in the body.

8 tips to prevent oral problems

Here are some tips you might adopt to prevent dental problems if you are a diabetic –

• Take the prescribed medicines for diabetes to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels under control
• Make sure to floss daily between your teeth. Be gentle while sliding up, down, back and forth with the floss. This will help you prevent gum diseases like gingivitis and the build-up of plaque.
• Brush two times a day for at least two minutes. Use a brush with soft bristles and clean each tooth. Move the brush across your tooth surface, gum and along the gum line. Clean your tongue to remove bacteria.
• Stop smoking
• Avoid drinking acidic drinks such as lime juice, soda and energy drinks. This is because the acid in these drinks might corrode your enamel and lead to tooth decay.
• Visit the dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth and gums checked. When you visit, notify the doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. This will help him or her to prescribe medicines that will not interfere with your current medications.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent plague and mouth infections
• Avoid consuming sugary snacks and carbonated soft drinks to secure your oral health

If you cut your mouth accidentally while wearing braces, contact the doctor immediately. This is because internal cuts in the gum or tongue might lead to infections if left untreated.

Consult the doctor for any problems in your mouth and do not ignore it. Additionally, take adequate steps to reduce your blood sugar levels to avoid complications that might lead to oral health problems.