Diet, Diabetes and Oral Care

Diet, Diabetes and Oral Care.

 

With 50.8 million suffering from diabetes, India continues to be the ‘diabetes capital’. Problems with teeth and gums can be more common for people with diabetes, so good oral health is important to prevent complications developing. And by 2030, nearly 9% of the India’s population is likely to be affected from diabetes, according to a study of International Diabetes Federation. This raises concern about looking after teeth and gums as it is an essential part of learning to live with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Indians now need to seriously consider good oral health as it contributes general overall health.

Diabetics are more susceptible to developing oral infections and gum (periodontal) disease than those who do not have diabetes.  You need to therefore keep blood sugar within a normal range to reduce risk of oral health problems. Dentists at Stoma Advanced Dental Care advised eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and giving up smoking. Visit a dentist every six months ensures that any infection will be treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit to the dentist is mandatory. You should inform your dentist if you have either new-onset or long-standing diabetes as this might affect your dental treatment and how often they must review your teeth and gums.

Symptoms of oral health problems

• Sore or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath

You should visit your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms; urgent treatment might be required to prevent a problem from worsening.

Understanding the problem

Teeth are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. After a meal, snack or beverage that contains sugars or starches, the bacteria release acids which attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down and may eventually result in cavities.

When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may help bacteria and plaque thrive. Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into tartar. When tartar collects on your teeth, it makes a thorough cleaning of teeth difficult. This can create conditions that lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth. Diabetes lowers your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process.

What you can do

• Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly, reduce or eliminate sugars and starches from your diet.
• Keep teeth and gums strong by keeping track of blood sugar levels. Also, have your triglycerides and cholesterol levels monitored.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean once a day between your teeth with floss or an inter-dental cleaner to remove plaque.
• If you are diagnosed with gum (periodontal) disease, your blood sugar control may be more difficult to manage, but effective gum treatment can help to improve it.
• Treat dental infections immediately. Diabetics who combine good dental care with insulin control typically have a better chance of avoiding gum disease.
• Provide medical histories to your dentist.
• Dental treatment 
• If you are on medication that can lead to hypos, such as insulin or sulphonylureas, speak with your dentist or your doctor to see if your medication will need to be modified before the dental work. High blood sugar levels may affect the time the gums take to heal. For example, if you have a tooth removed, and it is taking an unusually long time to heal, you should immediately contact your doctor or dentist for advice. -----------Compiled By Ms Mamta Singh.

By-IDA