Every November 14
th we celebrated World Diabetes Day, a day created by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization to help promote the awareness of a disease that remarkably affects over 400 million people worldwide. And because diabetes took 5000 lives in 2015, any education we can give to the public can only help improve the chances of decreasing this devastating disease.
But diabetes isn’t just a disease affecting our overall health, it is a disease that can also affect our dental health in a number of ways. This is why it is not only important to maintain proper dental hygiene, but to also get regular dental visits in order to ensure that everything you are doing will keep you and your smile at its healthiest. These are just a few ways your diabetes can affect your smile:
- Dry mouth
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontitis
- Thrush
- Burning mouth or tongue
- Slow healing of oral tissues
In order to keep dental issues at bay, there are some simple
tips you can do at home between dental visits:
Maintain your blood sugar levels. Not only does this
include changes to your diet, but also taking the required insulin when levels
get too low. Keep your diet low-sugar, low-cholesterol and high fiber by
choosing more vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
Proper dental hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day
for at least two minutes, flossing and rinsing at least once are just the
basics. If you feel like you may not be doing things correctly, ask your dental
professional. Regular checkups are the easiest way to prevent poor dental
health.
Quit smoking. Smokers are 20% more at risk for developing gum disease. It also impairs blood flow to the gums, which may explain why healing takes more time.
If you would like more information about diabetes and dental health, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000.
Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.
