Maintaining physical health with diabetes is very important. However, so is looking after dental health. Oral health can affect many other aspects of the body, including heart health. People with diabetes are already at increased risk of developing significant health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and circulation problems. Therefore, looking after dental health can have a positive knock-on effect in keeping the body healthy.
What Is Diabetes?
There are two types of diabetes. These are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the impairment or total breakdown of the pancreas. Due to this, the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin to control the amount of sugar in the blood. Therefore, this needs to be balanced with artificial insulin that is administered intravenously. Type 2 diabetes is also a problem with insulin production, however, this can often be managed by a change of diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, and in most cases, oral medications.
Dental Health And Diabetes
Diabetes is an inflammatory disease. This can affect your teeth by causing inflammation and infection within the gums. In turn, this can cause gum disease, tooth, and bone loss as well as increased blood sugars due to the infection. Therefore, it is important to keep the mouth as healthy as possible. Here are some steps that can help:
- Maintaining a safe blood sugar level where possible. If this is something that a patient is struggling with then they can discuss this with their consultant or diabetes nurse or practitioner.
- Attend regular dental check-ups.
- Maintain a good oral health regime of brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a medicated mouthwash.
- Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. However, be mindful that fruit juices can damage teeth if not drunk in moderation.
- Avoid smoking. Not only is this bad for dental health but people with diabetes are already at risk of circulation problems. Smoking can contribute to this, as well as all the other negative health effects.
If you would like to book an appointment or register as a new patient with us then you can do this online or by calling our knowledgeable and friendly reception staff on 0208 547 9997. A wide range of treatments are available, seven days a week. A full list of these can be viewed on our website. If you have any further questions about general dental health or about diabetes and dental health please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to seeing you in the clinic soon, here at Pearl Dental Clinic.
Pearl Dental Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm. You can book a dental appointment by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or emailing us or booking an appointment online.