When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body, including your teeth and gums. This makes taking care of your oral health especially important.
If you haven’t already, check out our previous post on how diabetes impacts your oral health.
Prevention and Care
As with all health issues, it is better to prevent dental problems than to treat them later. If you have diabetes, your oral health routine should include:
• Brushing after meals (or at least twice a day) with a fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove food and plaque.
• Removing and cleaning dentures daily, if you wear them
• Clean or scrape the tongue daily.
• Following a healthy diet
• Limiting added sugar, especially pop and juice
• Quitting (or not starting) smoking. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and can worsen your diabetes.
• Managing your diabetes to keep your blood sugar levels at or near target
How Your Dentist Can Help You Fight Diabetes
Scheduling regular dental visits is important. Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist can help to lower your HbA1c. (This is a lab test that shows your average level of blood sugar over the previous three months. It indicates how well you are controlling your diabetes.)
Be sure to tell your dentist if you have diabetes and report any signs of gum disease – including redness, swelling and bleeding gums. Also mention any other signs and symptoms such as dry mouth, loose teeth or mouth pain.
They will be able to assess teeth and gums and review any changes in medication.
Teamwork involving self-care and professional care from your dentist will be beneficial in keeping your healthy smile as well as potentially slowing progression of diabetes
If you suffer from diabetes and want to learn more about how the North Delta Dental team can help, contact us today to book an appointment!