If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to keep your blood sugar under control. You probably watch your diet carefully, exercise regularly, and may take medication to regulate your blood sugar if something goes wrong.
Have you ever thought about how important your oral health is for controlling diabetes? In today's blog post, we will take a closer look at why oral health is an important and essential part of diabetes control and what you can do to improve your oral health.
The connection between diabetes and oral health
People with diabetes are at increased risk for dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. This is because diabetes impairs blood circulation and weakens the immune system, which in turn makes it easier for bacteria to spread, grow and multiply in the mouth.
Another problem in this context is that people with diabetes often have dry mouths because they produce less saliva. However, saliva is important for keeping the oral flora in balance and fighting bacteria by regularly swallowing them with saliva. Without enough saliva, bacteria can grow more easily and even cause very serious infections in the mouth.
How to improve your oral health
It's up to you to improve your oral health. Here are some tips you can take to improve your oral health sustainably and long-term:
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Brush your teeth regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and our emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothbrush.
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Use additional products: A mouthwash can help you reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent bad breath. Also use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque and bacteria on the go or in between brushing.
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Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental and dental hygienist check-ups are especially important if you have diabetes in order to detect early signs of oral problems and treat them specifically.
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Keep your blood sugar in balance: Good blood sugar control is crucial to reducing your risk of oral problems. Make sure you adjust your diet, medications and exercise habits to suit your individual disease state.
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Drink plenty of water: Drink enough water to keep your mouth moist and stimulate saliva production.
In summary, oral health is an important part of diabetes control. People with diabetes are generally at increased risk for oral problems because diabetes impairs blood circulation and weakens the immune system.
It is therefore very important that you brush your teeth regularly, schedule and attend dental appointments, watch your diet and keep your blood sugar balanced. By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of oral problems and improve your oral health. It is important to consider oral health as part of diabetes control and not as separate issues.