Diabetes & Oral Care: How to Protect your Teeth

According to data from the National Diabetes Statistics Report, there are around 30 million people with diabetes in the US. That’s a lot of people, and they all need special health care. One of the main issues that a person with diabetes has to face is oral hygiene. There are many dental problems associated with diabetes, and today we share with you information about this subject. If you have diabetes, we invite you to follow these tips. And if you don't, we remember you that prevention is the keyword to have a quality life.

Diabetes and Teeth

People with diabetes are more susceptible to dental diseases. Also, dental problems can cause serious consequences in people with diabetes. This disease, if it's poorly controlled, reduces the blood supply to the gums. As well, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and decrease saliva production, increasing bacteria and plaque build up. All this can put in danger the integrity of your teeth and your overall health.

The relation between diabetes and dental health is close and you need to take care of it to avoid the following sufferings.

Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay occurs when too much plaque builds up and it releases acids that harm your teeth and gums. People with diabetes are more susceptible to this disease because of the high levels of glucose in their teeth that feed bacteria. If tooth decay is not treated, it can lead to tooth abscess, broken teeth, chewing problems, and tooth loss.

To prevent tooth decay, you need to have a healthy diet avoiding sugars and starches. Of course, brushing and flossing on a daily basis is a must to avoid tooth decay. We also recommend you to visit your dentist at least twice a year to treat any dental infection immediately.

Gum Disease

As we mentioned earlier, high blood sugar reduces your ability to fight bacteria. So if you don't have an optimal oral hygiene, the plaque that remains in your teeth can lead to gum disease, which destroys the soft tissue and bone of your teeth. If it's not treated, gum disease can cause your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, leading your teeth to fall out.

The best way to avoid this problem is by having a good oral hygiene. Don't let plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and floss carefully at least once a day.

Oral Thrush

This infection affects warm, moist areas of the body, and the mouth is one of them. Thrush is common in people with diabetes because of the high sugar levels that lead to better conditions for yeast to grow. While occasional periods of thrush may not be serious, regular episodes which go untreated can cause serious infections. Also, if you have oral thrush, you could pass it on to your partner.

For preventing oral thrush, you need to maintain good dental hygiene and keep your blood sugar levels under control. Rinsing your mouth after eating, brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist can help you avoid this infection.

Dental Health Tips

Having diabetes can be bothering, but if you take care of your health properly, a quality life is possible. Here are a few more dental health tips that you should know if you or someone close have diabetes.

• If you have dry mouth, use a mouthwash without alcohol.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing to protect tooth enamel softened by acid in the food.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• In case you wear dentures, clean them daily and don't sleep in them.
• If you smoke, quit right away.
• When you floss, do it carefully so you don't hurt your gums.
• See your dentist for regular checkups.

Sani Dental Group offers you the best information because we care about your health. We invite you to subscribe our newsletter to get valuable information and special offers month by month. Also, we invite you to visit one of our dental clinics in Los Algodones, Mexico. Sani Dental Group is the largest dental group in the area with more than 30 doctors to treat all your dental needs. Give us a call and one of our patient coordinators will give you all the information about our treatments. Don't hesitate and let us take care of your smile, we have the expertise to guarantee you an experience you'll want to repeat.