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Diabetes is a serious disease that can harm many parts of your body, including your oral health. Gum disease is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and it can lead to tooth loss if not treated. This blog post will discuss the relationship between Diabetes and Oral Health and provide you with some tips for keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
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Tips to Consider For People with Diabetes
If you or someone you know has diabetes and is worried about keeping dental hygiene in check, here are some things to keep in mind.
Have Regular Dental Visits
If you have diabetes, it is important to see your dentist regularly. Diabetes can cause changes in the gum tissue, which can lead to infections. These infections can be difficult to control and may require more frequent dental visits. Your dentist will also look for signs of gum disease and teach you how to brush your teeth and use dental floss properly to prevent it and keep a healthy mouth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If you suffer from bleeding gums and mouth pain, you need to practice good oral hygiene. To help prevent gum disease:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day.
- Use mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride to combat dry mouth.
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary drinks.
Keep High Blood Sugar in Check
It is also essential to control your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your mouth, leading to infections and gum disease. You should aim for a blood sugar level that is as close to normal as possible. According to the CDC, a normal blood sugar level is below 5.7% for an A1c test. The A1C test measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2 or 3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates you have diabetes, aka high blood sugar. If you are having trouble controlling your blood sugar, speak with your doctor or dentist about ways to practice good blood sugar control.
Stop Smoking to Prevent Gum Disease
If you haven't already, you need to quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and can make it harder to control your blood glucose levels. If you smoke and have diabetes, you should do your best to prevent severe gum disease and other complications such as dry mouth, tooth decay, and other fungal infections to keep your mouth healthy. Talk to your doctor about ways to stop smoking, or visit the website of the American Diabetes Association for resources and support.
Ways of Treating Gum Disease Control
If your gums have a severe fungal infection, you most likely have periodontal disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to oral health problems. If you don't know where to start to improve your oral health, the Mayo Clinic has some great resources on how to fight infections.
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By following these tips, you can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy despite having diabetes. Remember to see your dentist regularly, brush and floss properly, control your blood sugar levels, and stop smoking to reduce your risk of gum disease.
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