Diabetes & Your Oral Health
Additional dental precautions for diabetics.
Diabetes is an illness that affects many parts of the body like the heart, the nervous system and the eyes. What you may not know is that it can also affect the mouth.
Anyone suffering with diabetes is at a higher risk of suffering from gum disease which is a gum and bone infection. Gum disease is the UK’s leading cause of tooth loss and can cause pain, soreness, tooth loss and eventually, even jaw damage. Undiagnosed diabetes can cause dry mouth which can cause bad breath, mouth ulcers, infections, tooth decay and a sore mouth.
What You Can Do About It
Getting a diagnosis is key if you think you have diabetes, so that you can then manage the condition, and controlling blood glucose is a really important part of controlling oral health problems. If you do have uncontrolled diabetes and get gum disease, your symptoms could be considerably worse than if your diabetes was controlled. Key general defences against the effects of diabetes on your oral health are:
Daily Brushing – Your oral health regime is so important in the defence against oral health issues caused or made worse by diabetes. You should be brushing twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. You should be using a fluoride toothpaste relevant for your oral health and if you are unsure which toothpaste you need to use, please ask at your next Abbey Road Dental appointment. You should also be using the correct toothbrush for your individual needs. Brushing with a toothbrush too soft might not clean the teeth properly whilst using one too hard might cause gum recession or sore gums. If you are unsure which type of brush you need to use, please ask your Abbey Road dentist.
Regular Dental Checkups – Visiting our clinic in NW8 regularly is extremely important. We can catch any issues early and treat or manage them quickly. We can also chat to you about preventatives to help you avoid gum disease or avoid it getting any worse.
Good Blood Glucose Control – It is so important you control your blood glucose levels for your general health, and for your oral health. If you are unsure how to do this, it is important that you see your healthcare provider to discuss the problem. They will be able to help you with medication, plans and information so that you can gain control of your blood glucose and feel confident your condition is being managed.
Book A Checkup With Our Friendly St John’s Wood Clinic
If you are due a checkup, or you want to book one following a diabetes diagnosis, please call us on 02076241603 and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to help you. As part of your healthcare team, we are here to help you make sure that your oral health is under control in general and in relation to your diabetes.