Diabetes puts you at a high risk of developing oral health issues. The oral conditions are brought about by a rise in the levels of glucose in the blood while others develop side effects from taking medications for a long time. The thrush fungus is common in people who do not manage their diabetes as it thrives in a high sugar environment. Moreover, antibiotics given to manage diabetic associated infections promote the development of thrush.
People with diabetes should strive to maintain their blood sugar levels at manageable levels to avoid infections in the mouth. To prevent mouth infections, the individual should take the following precautions.
- Use an alcohol-based mouth wash if your mouth is always dry
- Make sure you brush the teeth 30 minutes after taking a meal; the 30-minute interval is to protect teeth enamel that may have been affected by acidic food
- Your toothbrush should have soft bristles
- Use a mouthwash daily; an antiseptic one is recommended
- Clean your dentures daily and remove them when going to sleep
- Floss at least once in a day
- Maintain your blood sugar at near-normal levels
- Quit smoking
Some people have diabetes, but they are not aware that they have the condition. There are a few signs that manifest in the mouth in people who have uncontrolled diabetes. Some of these symptoms include:
- A dry mouth as a result of reduced saliva
- Cavities
- Problems in tasting food
- Mouth wounds that take too long to heal
- Bleeding and inflamed gums
- An early eruption of teeth for children
People with diabetes need to have regular dental checkups as diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to severe complications. One of the difficulties is a detachment of the teeth from the jawbone as the infection damages the teeth supporting bone and soft tissue. Periodontitis also makes your diabetes difficult to manage as it gives rise to the levels of blood sugar.
If you have diabetes, you need to make sure that you observe proper oral hygiene to prevent infections in the mouth. This is because wounds in any part of the body take time to heal if you have diabetes.
Diabetics should visit a dentist at least twice a year; however, the dentist may give you more appointments depending on your condition. If you feel or suspect that you have an oral infection, visit your dentists as soon as possible for treatment. Do not forget to inform the dentist about your health status in addition to giving him your most recent sugar levels.
The elderly are more susceptible to infections. As a caregiver, you should take them for regular oral checkups to curb the oral complications of diabetes on time. There is no need for you to lose your teeth because of diabetes. A routine dental check-up will identify any abnormalities and infections in your mouth while treatment will ensure that the germs do not cause permanent damage.
If you have diabetes or you are a caregiver to a person with diabetes, visit a dental clinic in Parramatta for a comprehensive dental exam. The dental exams will save you time and money that you may need to use when complications from serious dental infections occur. You will receive advice on how to maintain good oral health while living with diabetes.