Managing Oral Health and Diabetes

Oral health and diabetes are no stranger to each other. Diabetes itself can cause many oral issues because of the sugar fluctuations in your blood and, therefore, saliva in your mouth. An excess of sugar being applied to your gums will accelerate common dental problems.

Why It's Important

If you are diabetic, it's even more important to take care of your teeth and see your dentist often. White blood cells can get weaker when blood sugar is too high. These are the main ways your body fights off infections that can happen in your mouth. Gum disease, an inflammation of the tissue and bone that keep the teeth firmly in place, is more likely to happen to people with diabetes. Periodontal disease can cause pain, bad breath, and even the loss of teeth.

Some Common Issues

If you have diabetes and mouth problems, you may get an inflammation in the soft tissue and bone that hold up your teeth. This can lead to gum recession, tooth decay, and gum inflammation. Diabetes makes it more likely for a person to have gum disease, holes, and other issues with their oral health. Several of these oral difficulties can end up making your diabetes worse. You may also experience dry mouth that contributes to poor oral health and tooth loss.

Oral Health and Diabetes are Linked

If your blood sugar is high, so is the sugar in your saliva. The bacteria in plaque eat sugar. And some of these can cause common oral health problems. As such, gum disease is among common diabetic problems, and affects about 22% of patients. Plaque can also build up on teeth without adequate care, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. But bad oral health can also cause diabetes, so the two conditions are irrevocably linked in a kind of Catch 22 situation.

Specialist Treatments

Standard treatments might not work as well for you if you have diabetes. But there are some new developments in oral health that you can try. For example, Colgate, a well-known toothpaste company, worked closely with diabetes experts and oral health experts to make a special toothpaste called Colgate for Diabetics that can be used every day. The formula has special ingredients like Jamun and Amla, which have been shown to work in clinical tests.

How You Can Manage It

If you have gum disease, it may be harder to keep your blood sugar under control. But treating your gums well can help. Of course, good oral hygiene is the best defense you have. You should brush your teeth before bed and first thing in the morning. The last brush of the day is the most important one to keep your teeth from getting cavities. You should also avoid sugary snacks and carbonated drinks. Fluoride toothpaste is the best overall recommended treatment.

Summary

You can manage your oral health and diabetes to avoid some of the worst issues. Good overall oral hygiene is recommended. But you can also try Colgate for Diabetics, and avoid excess sugar. Yet it's also important to remember that poor oral hygiene can also cause diabetes.