Skip to main content

Diabetes & Dental Care

Diabetes is a problem which dates back to 250 BC. Though the first English term ‘Diabete’ was recorded in 1425. Diabetes brings changes throughout the body as it makes the sugar level rise in the blood. High level of glucose in the blood causes multiple effects on a diabetic’s dental health. Sugar is found to be a major contributor in the break-down of enamel, it also increases the chances of cavity formation, gum disease and eventually tooth decay.

The high level of glucose in the blood stream because of diabetes, causes dryness in the mouth, clinically termed as Xerostomia. This is another big problem for dental health. Dry mouth can cause problems like-

Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. It is caused after the formation of a plaque film or when bacteria accumulate over the teeth. If left untreated it can result to periodontitis. Inflammation of the tissues around the teeth may also result in bleeding of the gums.

Candidiasis, also known as oral thrush. It causes formation of fungus on the inner lining of the mouth. It can take over 8 to 10 weeks to go away in a non-diabetic person without using any antifungal medication. With the use of a prescribed antifungal medicine it can be treated within 14 days.

Bad breath, it is one of the most common things to happen when a mouth remains dry for longer periods of time. It could also be a sign of other dental issues.

Infection in the salivary glands, irritation in the corner of the mouth, cracked lips, sore throat, dry and inflamed tongue are a few other problems caused because of lack of dental care or dry mouth.

If the mouth is dry, that means less saliva is being produced. This means everything which requires saliva such as auto mouth cleansing, chewing and digestion will also start performing poorly. If this persist then it can cause other major dental issues.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are known to cause dry mouth. Though it may not be experienced by everyone yet it is not uncommon at all.

Dealing with a dry mouth-

·       Avoid alcohol consumption

·       Avoid caffeine

·       Avoid tobacco

·       Drink a lot of water

·       Eat high fibre diet

·       Reduce the sugar intake

·       Use lip balms

·       Keep the teeth and the gums clean and do not allow any bacteria to produce inside.

·       Avoid too much salt or spice in the food.

·       Take regular medication as prescribed

Most importantly make sure to visit your Brampton dentist every 6 months, especially if you are a diabetic. Oral care must be one of the top priorities as oral hygiene plays an important part in our overall health.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tooth sensitive to cold: What causes it and how can you handle it?

Most people don’t realize that dental sensitivity can be caused by several factors. These are mostly related to the gums, tooth decay, and root canal treatment. Triggering foods and drinks can also lead to sensitivity. Common triggers include ice cubes, iced drinks, and certain acidic fruits like oranges or lemons. This type of sensitivity will affect one tooth; instead, it will affect an entire quadrant where the trigger exists. Eating small amounts of these foods at a time is advised if you want to use them as treats in your diet. What causes tooth sensitivity to cold? Dentin refers to the soft layer of the tooth next to the tooth enamel. It covers the tooth pulp where our nerves and blood vessels are located. Exposing your tooth to acidic situations strips away the protective enamel, which will make them sensitive to piercing forces. People with a dental sensitivity to cold may be prone to experiencing an oral cold, also known as acute onset of asthma. This is one of the most ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Most benefits of improving your oral hygiene

By improving your oral hygiene, you will have a reduced risk of developing dental caries. The American Dental Association has identified that it is an important preventive measure for children and adults in combating tooth decay. It is also linked to a lower rate of periodontal disease. One other benefit of oral hygiene is that it can increase the health and well-being of your mouth by removing plaque from teeth and reducing bad breath. By taking better care of your teeth, you will have fewer bacteria inside this region, which has been linked to the development of gum disease or periodontitis. Why is oral health important? Most people don’t realize just how important oral health is. It’s linked to the development of gum disease or periodontitis, which can lead to a serious illness or chronic disease that may cause some loss of function.  Improving your oral health also has benefits for your overall health as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases and can improve well-being...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to put your dental problems away!

Ever heard of the saying “You are what you eat?” The truth is, this motto also applies to your oral health and teeth. To keep your oral problems away, you must follow a healthy diet, along with a good dental regimen and regular visits to your Brampton dentists . Here are a few ways to live a life free of any major oral issues: Follow a healthy nighttime regime: It is important to follow a strict nighttime oral care regime. This is because if you neglect your teeth at night, you may undo all your efforts of taking care of your teeth during the day. To start with, brush and floss your teeth at night before bed, and avoid binge eating. Avoid the worse foods Sticky foods such as, gummy candies, taffy, and caramel tend to cling to your teeth, producing harmful bacteria. Avoiding any kind of sticky foods will help you keep the bacteria down, and secure your teeth. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to floss and brush soon after you consume a treat. Also, be careful with...
1 comment
Read more