Tips for Caring for Dental Health for Diabetics

For diabetics, blood sugar levels that are too high can cause various adverse effects, one of which is the appearance of problems with the teeth and gums. So, how to maintain oral health? Check out the various ways below.
The Importance of Dental Care for Diabetics
The susceptibility of dental and mouth problems in diabetics is caused by high blood sugar which affects the body’s processing of sugar. Poor blood flow in sufferers also makes it more susceptible to infection.
Dental and oral health problems that are often experienced by diabetics include: cavities, loose teeth, gum disease, dry mouth, disorders of the salivary glands, to impaired wound healing in the mouth—which may occur due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections .
The following are some important things that diabetics pay attention to in caring for dental health, including:
1. Limit Sweet and Sour Intake
One way that is often overlooked in dental care is have a healthy diet. A healthy diet will help reduce excess sugar consumption so that blood sugar levels remain under control. This will allow insulin to control blood sugar to normal again.
In addition to sweet intake, something sour such as soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices; as much as possible to avoid. The acidic nature of food or drink can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
Also Read: Diabetics Often Experience Dry Mouth, What’s the Cause?
2. Maintain oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day, namely in the morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed. To avoid injuring your gums when brushing your teeth, use a soft toothbrush and brush gently with fluoride toothpaste.
Also, use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash, especially if you have dry mouth.
If you use removable dentures, make sure you take them off at night and don’t forget to clean your dentures every day.
Meanwhile, if you have a smoking habit, it seems you have to stop this habit. Smoking can increase serious complications in people with diabetes.
4. Regular Sports
Exercise will help the body to burn excess sugar that has accumulated. Excessive sugar consumption will result in a buildup of sugar, because the energy burning system in the body is not proportional to the amount of sugar consumed.
Also Read: Don’t Underestimate Loose Teeth, It Could Be a Sign of Diabetes
5. Routine to the Dentist
Dental care for diabetics that must be carried out is to have an examination at least twice a year. However, before carrying out treatment, make sure that the doctor already knows that you have diabetes. This is important so that treatment is carried out according to your condition
NowHere are some tips for maintaining healthy teeth and mouth for diabetics. Disorders that occur in the oral cavity can be prevented if you have a commitment to keep it healthy.
- Anonymous. 2019. Diabetes and Dental Health. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/Diabetes-and-dentistry.html. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
- Anonymous. Diabetes and Your Smile. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-az/diabetes. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
- Anonymous. 2022. Oral Health. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-oral-health.html. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
- Anonymous. 2020. 5 Tips to Prevent Gum Disease If You Have Diabetes. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-tips-to-prevent-gum-disease-if-you-have-diabetes/. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
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