Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone but even more so for people with diabetes. Because of their illness, diabetics are more prone to developing gum problems and other dental disorders. This is why they must practice proper oral hygiene at all times. Aside from the regular brushing and flossing that we all should do, a typical oral health care routine for diabetics includes the management of blood sugar levels, specialized dental care, and visits to the dentist at least every six months.
The risk for infection is much higher for diabetics, and this is the main reason oral problems such as periodontal disease and gingivitis can occur so much more easily. Once these conditions develop, they can be very hard to reverse and may leave the diabetic with no choice but to undergo surgery in order to correct the problem. If you have diabetes, you don't have to let it get this far. By brushing three times a day and flossing at least once daily, you can keep your mouth clean and healthy and you won't need specialized diabetes oral health treatments.
Diabetics are subject to the same risks as ordinary, healthy people when it comes to dental health. The only difference is that diabetics experience the problems much sooner because of their weaker resistance to infection. If you have diabetes and you neglect your dental hygiene, it is likely that your blood sugar imbalance will eventually result in gum disease, dry mouth, halitosis, and other oral problems caused by bacterial infection.
Aside from the routine brushing and flossing of the teeth, the following are some helpful tips you can use to maintain good oral health and avoid having to undergo special diabetes oral health procedures, which are not only inconvenient but costly as well.
1. See your dentist regularly. Once you've been diagnosed with diabetes, it's imperative that you increase your dental appointments to at least twice a year. This way, you'll be able to get all the dental care you need, including cleaning and whitening procedures, if necessary.
2. Have your gums checked regularly. This is essential so that any problems will be detected and treated while they're still in the early stages. Gum disease in diabetic patients can become very nasty when not identified and treated right away.
3. Check for telltale signs of dental problems. In between dental appointments, check for symptoms of dental problems so you can go to the dentist when you notice anything amiss. Some of the signs to look out for are bad breath, fungal infection or thrush, and dry mouth.
4. Monitor your blood sugar levels. A host of oral health issues for diabetics can be avoided simply by making sure that your blood sugar is always at a healthy level.
If you follow the tips mentioned above, you will be able to enjoy excellent oral health despite your diabetes.