Photo via Pixabay by AlbanyColley
Diabetes affects many parts of the body--including everything from the mouth to the feet--because it affects the blood system, which circulates all over. Individuals with diabetes are at risk for several health issues if they don’t take good care of themselves, and one of the easiest to prevent involves the mouth.
Good oral health is imperative for everyone, but for someone living with diabetes, it’s especially important. The teeth and gums are connected to heart health and can lead to disease if not cared for properly. Because diabetes can cause dry mouth, you have less saliva to fight off bacteria, allowing cavities and sores to grow. You may feel thirsty all the time, or you might have trouble fully tasting food. If these symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.
One of the best ways to help prevent gum disease and infections of the mouth is to stay hydrated and, most importantly, to regulate your blood glucose levels--usually with insulin injections, lifestyle modifications, medicine and glucose monitoring. Below, Femto Medicine shares some of the best tips on how to take care of your mouth and keep diabetes from causing problems.
Get into good habits
If you have trouble remembering to floss every day or to brush after every meal, set an alarm or reminder on your phone. Bring a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to work and pop into the restroom after lunch to freshen up. Once you get into the habit of doing it every day, there should be no problem with keeping up good oral health.
Look at your diet
No matter how you regulate your blood sugar--through medication or with your diet--it’s important to take a good look at what you eat and learn to read labels when you’re food shopping. Regulating your blood sugar levels often starts with eliminating refined sugars--which are found in everything from white bread to spaghetti sauce--and introducing more whole wheat, vegetables, and protein into your diet. Take a look at the labels before you buy; for instance, some pasta sauces have much less sugars than others.
Talk to your dentist
Talk to your dentist to work out an oral health care plan that’s personalized for you. If you’ve had issues with your teeth or gums in the past, there may be options, such as teeth straightening, which can make it easier to keep your teeth clean.
In some cases, braces can be the optimal choice, though they’re best for severe overcrowding. For mild misalignment, however, at-home aligners are a great alternative. And many options, like AlignerCo’s NightTime treatments, make it more convenient to straighten your teeth when you’re asleep. The downside for nighttime-only aligners is the timeline, which is typically 8-12 months, but affordability can make this a worthwhile choice. Your dentist will be able to point you toward the best choice for your situation.
Use the right tools
You can’t expect to have great oral health if you don’t use the right tools, so talk to your dentist about the right toothbrush for you and go over the proper way to floss, which can change depending on the shape of your teeth. You can also ask about using mouthwash and how to find the right toothpaste for your needs.
Know the symptoms
Diabetes-related issues and diseases have many different symptoms, so it’s important to do a bit of research and find out how your body might react when you have problems with your teeth and gums. Infections, sores, bleeding gums, and dry mouth can all indicate a bigger problem; talk to your dentist if you experience any of these and find out the best ways to combat and prevent them.
Remember that your health may be impacted in a number of ways with diabetes, and there may not always be visible symptoms. Regular checkups with your doctor will help you stay healthy and will help keep communication open between the two of you, which will allow for better healthcare for you in the future.