Table of contents
1. Why do people with diabetes need to pay attention to oral care?
If you or someone you know has diabetes, dental care is extremely important. Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including the teeth and gums. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing dental problems than the general population.
When blood sugar levels are high, it also increases the amount of sugar in saliva. This creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow in the mouth, leading to many problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. At the same time, diabetes also reduces the body's ability to fight bacteria, making oral diseases easier to develop and more difficult to treat.
Conversely, gum disease can also make it harder to control blood sugar. This is a vicious cycle that diabetics need to pay special attention to. Therefore, good oral care not only helps protect your smile but also plays an important role in controlling diabetes.
2. Common dental problems in diabetics
People with diabetes often encounter the following dental problems:
a. Gingivitis: This is the early stage of periodontal disease. The gums will be swollen, red and bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
b. Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is a serious infection that affects the gums and jawbone and can lead to tooth loss.
c. Tooth decay: People with diabetes are at high risk of tooth decay due to increased sugar levels in saliva.
d. Dry mouth: This is a common side effect of diabetes, increasing the risk of tooth decay and fungal infections.
e. Fungal infections: People with diabetes are susceptible to Candida infections, which cause red or white sores in the mouth.
f. Slow wound healing: Due to reduced blood flow and a weakened immune system, wounds in the mouth of people with diabetes often take longer to heal.
3. Daily oral care instructions for diabetics
To protect oral health, people with diabetes should take the following steps every day:
a. Brushing teeth:
– Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for 2 minutes each time.
– Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the gums.
– Use toothpaste containing fluoride to enhance tooth protection.
b. Use dental floss:
– Use dental floss at least once a day to clean between teeth.
– If it is difficult to use regular dental floss, you can use an interdental brush or water pick.
c. Mouthwash:
– Use an alcohol-free mouthwash that contains fluoride.
– Rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth and after meals to remove leftover food.
d. Tongue cleaning:
– Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to clean your tongue every day.
– This helps eliminate bacteria and prevent bad breath.
e. Regular oral check-ups:
– Self-examine your mouth weekly to detect early signs of abnormalities such as ulcers, swelling or discoloration.
f. Drink plenty of water:
– Drinking enough water helps stimulate saliva secretion and reduce dry mouth.
g. Avoid smoking:
– Smoking increases your risk of periodontal disease and other dental problems.
4. Diet suitable for oral health of diabetics
Diet plays an important role in maintaining oral health for people with diabetes. Here are some tips:
a. Limit foods containing sugar and starch:
– Reduce consumption of sweets, candies, and carbonated soft drinks.
– Limit foods that stick to teeth easily, such as gummy candies and cookies.
b. Increase fiber-rich foods:
– Eat lots of green vegetables and fresh fruit.
– These foods help stimulate saliva production and clean teeth naturally.
c. Calcium and vitamin D supplements:
– Consume low-fat dairy products, salmon, and dark green vegetables.
– Calcium and vitamin D help strengthen teeth and bones.
d. Choose smart drinks:
Drink plenty of water.
– Limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they can cause dry mouth.
e. Eat hard and crunchy foods:
– Apples, carrots, and celery help clean teeth naturally and stimulate gums.
f. Use sugar-free gum:
– Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps stimulate saliva secretion and clean teeth.
g. Divide meals:
– Instead of eating 3 large meals, divide them into several small meals throughout the day to better control blood sugar.
5. Regular dental check-ups: Importance and notes
For people with diabetes, regular dental checkups are especially important. Here are some tips:
a. Examination frequency:
– You should have your teeth checked at least every 6 months, or more often as directed by your dentist.
b. Notification of medical condition:
– Always inform your dentist about your diabetes.
– Provide information about current medications and recent blood sugar levels.
c. Suitable appointment:
– Schedule an appointment when your blood sugar is stable, usually in the morning after eating.
d. Preparation before coming for examination:
– Measure blood sugar before going to the clinic.
– Bring snacks in case your blood sugar drops.
e. Oral hygiene before arrival:
– Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your appointment.
f. Discussion of dental problems:
– Share with your dentist any unusual symptoms you experience.
g. Scaling and polishing teeth:
– Do it regularly to remove plaque and tartar.
h. X-ray when necessary:
– Helps detect early problems that are not visible to the naked eye.
6. Treatment of dental problems in diabetics
When having dental problems, diabetics need to be treated promptly and properly:
a. Treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis:
– Cleans deep below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
– In severe cases, periodontal surgery may be required.
b. Treatment of tooth decay:
– Filling teeth to prevent the development of tooth decay.
– In severe cases, root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be required.
c. Treatment of dry mouth:
– Use products that stimulate saliva secretion.
– Drink plenty of water and avoid foods and drinks that cause dry mouth.
d. Treatment of fungal infections:
– Use antifungal medication as directed by your doctor.
e. Care of wounds in the mouth:
– Use special gels or solutions to promote wound healing.
f. Blood sugar control:
– Work closely with an endocrinologist to control blood sugar well, helping to improve oral health.
g. Adjust medication if necessary:
– Some medications can affect oral health, so discuss with your doctor to adjust if necessary.
7. Conclusion
Dental care is an important part of diabetes management. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist regularly, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of dental disease and improve their overall health.
Remember, oral health and blood sugar control are closely linked. Good oral care not only gives you a beautiful smile, but also helps you manage your diabetes more effectively.
If you have any questions about dental care when you have diabetes, please feel free to send your questions via the 'ASK A QUESTION' section on our website. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
You can also test your dental knowledge by taking the 'DENTAL QUIZ' game on the website. It's a fun way to learn more about dental health and find out things you might not know.
