Featured image Diabetes and oral health
Diabetes is another name for sugar diabetes. Are you a diabetes patient? Then pay extra attention to your oral health. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from unpleasant problems with their teeth and gums. In this blog, we tell you what you can do to prevent problems.
Oral problems caused by diabetes
Diabetic patients are at increased risk of the following oral complaints:
- Gum inflammation (also known as gingivitis);
- Gum inflammation resulting in jawbone loss (periodontitis). As a result, the teeth become loose and are lost;
- Annoying fungal infections;
- Dry and smelly mouth;
- Holes.
Diabetes and gum inflammation
As mentioned, people with diabetes are at increased risk of gum inflammation and infections. This is especially the case when blood sugar levels are too high. The result of this is often a dry mouth. Saliva acts as a natural shield for your teeth; it prevents cavities and inflammation. Therefore, if you regularly suffer from a dry mouth, it is important to brush extra thoroughly to prevent inflammation and cavities.
Preventing oral problems
Preventing oral problems is not difficult. To prevent unpleasant problems, you must:
- Ensuring a good blood sugar level;
- Keep your mouth clean and take good care of it;
- Brush your teeth twice a day;
- Use an electric toothbrush;
- Clean the space between the teeth with toothpicks, flossers, or interdental brushes;
- Limit the number of eating and drinking occasions to 7 times a day;
- Stop smoking;
- Visit your dentist and dental hygienist twice a year.
The same advice applies to denture wearers. Ensure that your teeth and mouth remain clean. In diabetic patients with dentures, infections often develop under the prosthesis. It is therefore also important to continue visiting the dentist every year for the semi-annual check-up.
Contact TCN
Do you have questions about diabetes and your oral health? Please do not hesitate to contact the dentists at TCN. We can help and advise you on your oral health.