Oral Care In Diabetes: 6 Tips
Here are some aspects to take into account for the oral care of people with diabetes. Take note and put them into practice.
Diabetes has become a problem that affects a large part of the world’s population. One of its main causes is poor diet and a surplus in the recommended sugar consumption. Diabetes can not only cause stomach, visual, arterial, kidney or mental problems. It can also affect our oral health. A person with diabetes is at higher risk for oral diseases, due to the inability to fight bacteria.
A publication made by the WHO in 2017 indicates that around 8% of women of the world live with diabetes.
Here are some aspects to take into account for the oral care of people with diabetes.
Carry out a good brushing
People with diabetes are more likely to get gingivitis, a disease characterized by inflammation, pain, and bleeding of the gums. TO l there is an excess of sugar in the blood , it can worsen the condition and disease of the disease.
It is recommended in these cases, brush your teeth twice a day, using a soft bristle brush. Then gently massage the area of the gums and teeth.
It is very important that you finish your oral care routine with flossing.
Make regular check-ups with the dentist
In diabetic people there is a greater risk of contracting periodontitis . This occurs especially when gingivitis has already passed through an advanced stage and because good oral care has not been carried out.
This consists of the loss of teeth due to the wear and continuous bleeding of the gums. There is evidence to support diabetes as the cause of periodontal diseases .
Therefore, it is recommended that the person with diabetes generally have a check-up with the dentist. This way, a deeper cleaning of the mouth can be carried out.
Control glucose levels
It is important to maintain and check glucose levels in the body of diabetics.
When there is a lack of sugar control in the body, there is a greater risk of contracting oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or fungal infections in the mouth such as candidiasis.
This, therefore, can lead to injury, tooth decay, and pain inside the mouth and teeth.
Avoid dry mouth
Another type of symptom that can occur in the mouth of a diabetic person is dryness in the area of the lips. This is caused by poor saliva production.
Dryness can cause cracking and bleeding if it is not controlled in time. For these cases it is advisable to use some type of natural butter for oral care.
One of the most recommended is cocoa butter. Also, try to use mouthwash designed for dry mouth and avoid drinking coffee or irritants.
Avoid cavities
Oral care is very important in diabetic people to avoid the presence of cavities. Many of the dental problems and conditions in people with diabetes are related to the number of cavities in the teeth .
Therefore, it is important to take care of your diet, and as indicated above, carry out a periodic check-up with the dentist. This will prevent some type of oral disease from progressing over time.
Some additional recommendations for oral care
Other important recommendations to have in the oral care of a diabetic person are:
- Perform a regular inspection of the external and internal area of the mouth.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes.
- Keep the dentist informed of any changes observed in the oral area.
- In the case of people who wear dentures, it is also advisable to clean and disinfect them with some type of mouthwash.
By last, It is very important in the case of diabetic people who are undergoing a dental check-up for the first time, to inform the dentist about their condition.
In this way, the dentist can pay special attention to treat problems that may arise. There are studies that corroborate the importance of oral health in cases of diabetes.
