While you may not equate diabetes with dental problems at first glance, diabetes can severely affect your dental health. If you or someone you love suffers from this disease, being proactive is key.
Diabetes disturbs the way that your body normally processes sugar. And no matter if it’s Type I or Type II, the results will be the same: high blood sugar levels. These levels can lead to all sorts of problems in your body, from your eyes to your heart. And what’s in between those? Your mouth, of course. And there are many parts of it that diabetes can go after. A few of the complications that diabetes can lead to include tooth decay, dry mouth, periodontitis, gingivitis, and thrush. But not to fear, there are several effortless ways that you can help prevent and/or control these dental problems.
Check-Ups: Don’t wait until you have an issue to make an appointment with your dentist. Routine visits and cleanings will help prevent oral problems before they start. People with diabetes have more sugar and starch in their bodies than others and will be more likely to experience tooth decay. Visit your dentist at least once a year. Making an appointment has never been easier: go here to schedule it online.
Brushing: This should really go without saying, but be sure to brush your teeth daily, at least twice a day, to remove any plaque and leftover food. And don’t skimp on it; brush for at least two minutes each time. Don’t forget about your tongue either; bacteria loves to hang out there.
Floss: While many toothbrushes claim that they will loosen any excess debris stuck between your teeth, flossing regularly will remove that debris and leave you less likely to develop gum disease, a common complication diabetics face due to their weakened immune systems. Still not convinced of the importance of flossing? Check out this detailed article on how and why it is.
Speak up: Let your dentist know if you have diabetes. While they will always look for signs of oral disease, knowing that you may be prone to certain ones will aid their comprehensive examination.