If you or a family member receives a diagnosis of diabetes, you probably have many questions. While this is a common diagnosis, it’s normal to feel an array of emotions when presented with this news – from confusion to even surprise.

Did you know that diabetes can take a toll on your teeth and mouth? Let’s dive into what causes diabetes, and how best to manage your oral health with this new diagnosis. We’re with you while you learn to adapt, manage, and thrive!

Diabetes and its effect on Your Oral Health

Dry Mouth

Studies have shown that people with diabetes have less saliva, leading to a condition known as dry mouth. How can you fight it? By drinking plenty of water. You can also try sugar-free gum. Ensure the gum doesn’t contain sugar because any extra sugar combined with dry mouth can lead to cavities. Another essential part of dental care for people with diabetes is remembering to brush twice a day to keep cavities away.

Thrush

People with diabetes are more likely to develop thrush. Also known as oral candidiasis, thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. Signs of thrush include white or red patches inside your mouth that can be quite painful. What is a good diabetes dental care strategy to avoid getting thrush? Keep your glucose in check and practice good oral hygiene habits.

Poor Healing

Do you get cold sores in your mouth that doesn’t seem to heal? This could also be a condition brought on by diabetes. The right blood sugar levels help heal cold sores or cuts, whereas if your blood sugar levels aren’t under control, your injuries will not heal quickly or properly. The best dental care for a diabetic patient in this situation would be to consult with a dental professional.

Gum Disease

Another dental care concern for people with diabetes is gum disease. For a person with diabetes, it becomes tough for the body to defend itself against a bacterial infection like gum disease. When left unchecked, high glucose levels can create an environment in the mouth where bacteria can flourish. This can result in tissue damage, which, if untreated, can lead to eventual tooth loss. If you find your gums bleeding or see leaky pus between your gums and teeth, the right diabetes dental care would be to immediately consult a dental professional.

To prevent gum disease, brush your teeth twice daily, and floss at least once a day.

Change in Taste

If you have diabetes, you might be surprised – and even disappointed – to find that some of your favorite foods don’t taste as rich and flavourful as you remember. Having diabetes can cause a change in your taste. While this is undoubtedly disappointing, this could also be an opportunity for you to discover new foods. If you notice a persistent bad taste, the best dental care for a diabetic patient would be to check with a doctor.

What can you do now?

Here are three essential steps to maintaining a healthy smile:

• Brush twice a day. The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently move the brush back and forth along the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Be sure to clean each surface thoroughly. Whether you use a manual or electric brush doesn’t matter, but the size and shape of your brush should make it easy to reach all areas. And be sure to use soft bristles. Research shows that firm bristles tend to wear away the enamel on your teeth.
• Floss once a day. If you don’t, plaque and food particles build up between teeth and along the gum line, setting you up for tooth decay and gum disease. Holding the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, curve it around each tooth in a C shape and gently slide it up and down the tooth and beneath the gum line. Not a fan of flossing? Try an interdental device. The tiny brush is designed to reach places a regular toothbrush can’t.
• See your dentist twice a year. Depending on the health of your gums, he or she may recommend cleanings every three months. Your dentist may also suggest an antibacterial mouth rinse or antibiotics. Be sure to let your dentist know of any changes in your health or medications because both can affect your oral health—such as symptoms of dry mouth.

Know before you go

Check out these four ways to get the most out of your next dental appointment:

1. Find a dentist who is aware of the needs of people with diabetes.
2. Be honest with your dentist.  Your dentist needs to know if you’ve been reaching your diabetes targets since it will affect how you’ll respond to dental treatments.
3. Be sure to eat normally prior to your appointment and take your usual meds on schedule.
4. Be proactive. When you go in for a cleaning, ask: How do my gums look? Was there a lot of bleeding? Is there anything more I should be doing? You’re the most important part of your diabetes care team—and that’s also true when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

TALK TO YOUR DENTIST ABOUT DIABETES | MINISTRY OF SMILE

If you have questions about how diabetes can affect your oral health, we invite you to make an appointment at Ministry of smile, Located in Gurgaon , India, our relaxing environment is sure to calm and soothe you as our caring staff adequately treats you. For a comfortable, relaxing, and spa-like dental appointment, call us today at +91 9873171041 or contact us online at www.ministryofsmile.in  We look forward to making you smile!