Tips for Preventing Gum Disease If You Have Diabetes

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By Island Dental

If you have diabetes, you know that your health is more delicate than most. This means that it’s important to take extra care when it comes to oral health. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be an especially dangerous consequence of poor oral hygiene for someone with diabetes. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to fight infection, making periodontal care especially important. Fortunately, there are some tips that you can follow to ensure your gums stay healthy and your diabetes stays well managed.

Proper Oral Care at Home

In order to prevent gum disease, regular and proper oral care is essential. People with diabetes should brush their teeth after every meal, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash as well. It’s also important to avoid sugary snacks or drinks that can lead to cavities and inflame gums. Additionally, it’s important to pay special attention to the spaces around teeth, since these are more prone to bacteria build-up with diabetes.

Periodic Professional Cleanings

In addition to daily cleaning at home, people with diabetes should also have regular professional cleanings done by a dentist. Periodic cleanings can help to remove any plaque or tartar build-up and keep gums healthy. Additionally, your dentist may recommend that you have deep root scaling done in order to reach areas of the mouth that are harder to clean properly at home.

Eating a Balanced Diet

In addition to proper oral care, it’s important to eat a balanced diet in order to keep your gums healthy. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to reduce inflammation and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to fight infection. Additionally, eating foods such as salmon or tuna which are high in omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial for periodontal health.

Controlling Blood Sugar

Finally, it’s important to keep your blood sugar under control. Periodontal disease is often caused by bacteria that feed on the high levels of glucose in the saliva of someone with diabetes. If you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar, be sure to speak to your doctor about ways to manage it better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gum disease is a common complication of diabetes. However, with proper oral care at home and periodic professional cleanings, as well as a balanced diet and blood sugar control, you can prevent periodontal issues from arising.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?

A: It is recommended that people with diabetes get their teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months.

Q: What should I eat to keep my gums healthy?

A: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or tuna can be beneficial for periodontal health.

Q: How can I control my blood sugar?

A: If you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar, be sure to speak to your doctor about ways to manage it better. There may be medications or lifestyle changes that can help you keep your blood sugar under control.

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