Diabetes control also includes oral health
If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to keep your blood sugar under control. You probably pay a lot of attention to your diet, exercise regularly and may take medication to regulate your blood sugar if the worst happens.
Have you ever thought about how important your oral health is for controlling diabetes? In today's blog post, we will take a closer look at why oral health is an important and essential part of diabetes control and what you can do to improve your oral health.
The link between diabetes and oral health
People with diabetes have an increased risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis and even tooth loss. This is because diabetes affects blood circulation and weakens the immune system, which in turn makes it easier for bacteria to spread, grow and multiply in the mouth.
Another problem in this context is that people with diabetes often have dry oral mucous membranes because they produce less saliva. However, saliva is important to keep the oral flora in balance and to fight bacteria by regularly swallowing them with the saliva. Without enough saliva, bacteria can grow more easily and even cause very severe inflammation in the mouth.
How to improve your oral health
It's up to you to improve your oral health. Here are some tips you can do to improve your oral health in the long term:
- Brush your teeth regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and our emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothbrush.
- Use additional products: A mouthwash can help you reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent bad breath. Also use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque and bacteria on the go or in between.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental and dental hygienist check-ups are especially important if you have diabetes, so that signs of oral problems can be detected early and targeted treatment can be given.
- Keep your blood sugar balanced: Good blood sugar control is crucial to reducing your risk of oral problems. Make sure you adjust your diet, medications and exercise habits to your individual condition.
- Drink plenty of water: Drink enough water to keep your mouth moist and stimulate saliva production.
In summary, oral health is an important part of diabetes control. People with diabetes are generally at increased risk of oral problems because diabetes affects blood circulation and weakens the immune system.
It is therefore very important that you brush your teeth regularly, schedule and attend dental appointments, watch your diet and keep your blood sugar balanced. By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of oral problems and improve your oral health. It is important to consider oral health as part of diabetes control and not as separate issues.