Diabetes And Dental Hygiene: Dental care is an important concept for all individuals to consider. For diabetics, taking care of your teeth and mouth is even more important. Since diabetes can take a toll on the teeth, gums and other portions of the mouth, paying close attention to your dental care will help you to make wise choices with regard to not only what you eat but also how you brush, floss and rinse.
How Does Diabetes Play A Role In Dental Care?
With diabetes, individuals have to keep their blood sugar levels under control as these levels will often deviate from the normal range from time to time. The deviation of the blood sugar levels can lead to oral problems which are much more extreme in diabetics than those who do not have diabetes. Since diabetes which gets out of control can negatively impact the white blood cells and it is these types of cells which fight off bacteria in the mouth, more oral problems will occur due to the impairment of the cells.
Common Dental Problems In Diabetics
Although there are many different dental problems which can crop up in diabetics due to the impaired white blood cells, some dental issues are more problematic than others. Some of the more common dental problems include inflammation of the gums, dry mouth, slow healing of mouth injuries, thrush and a burning sensation in the mouth. With any of these problems, the diabetic may also experience cuts and scrapes inside of their mouth and this too can present problems in the long run. In addition, those who have diabetes may be more prone to dental problems such as gingivitis and gum disease. The good news is that there are preventive measures which diabetics can take in order to protect their mouth and promote good oral hygiene.
Tips For Promoting Dental Hygiene And Optimal Dental Care
Promoting proper dental hygiene is not only beneficial for those with diabetes but other non-diabetics as well. One thing which should be done for optimal dental care in diabetics is to visit your dentist at least twice a year so that the dental professional can check your teeth and gums as well as clean them. When visiting your dentist let him/her know that you are diabetic and advise them of any medications you are taking for your diabetes. In addition, tell your dentist right away if you are experiencing any pain or problem areas in your mouth which could lead to serious problems if left untreated.
For proper dental hygiene procedures at home, it is extremely important to brush after every meal. By brushing your teeth at least three times a day you are removing the food immediately and making it less likely for plaque to form. In addition, be sure to replace your toothbrush whenever it starts showing signs of getting too worn or smells funny. Toothbrushes are reasonably inexpensive and replacing yours when the time comes is well worth it.
Another tip to promote optimal dental hygiene which is extremely important for diabetics is to floss once a day. Flossing will take care of all of the food residue and plaque build up not eliminated by basic brushing. Since plaque can also cause damage to the gums as well as the teeth, flossing will help to get in between the teeth and reach spots where the toothbrush cannot.
Lastly, diabetics can keep their teeth and gums in optimal shape by keeping their blood sugar level at a steady rate. Since the rise and fall of the blood glucose level is what disrupts the white blood cells and ultimately leads to bacteria forming in the mouth, by keeping the blood glucose at a favorable level, the diabetic individual is aiding in protecting their mouth from dental problems as well. All of the aforementioned items will help to promote optimal dental care and good hygiene.