Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing diseases in the past decade. Besides common complications like atherosclerosis and foot ulcers, it also causes many other adverse effects on the body. Among them, the consequences on oral health are less mentioned, but they cannot be ignored.
Contents
How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?
Diabetes is a disease characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels. Sugar is the food source for bacteria and fungi to proliferate and grow. Therefore, people with diabetes are very susceptible to inflammation and infection.
Moreover, high blood sugar inhibits the ability of white blood cells and complements to kill bacteria. The immune system is weaker and less able to fight off pathogens.
In addition, some medications used for people with diabetes have been shown to often cause dry mouth. This can cause the oral mucosa to crack and become damaged, creating openings for pathogens to enter.
Normally, the oral cavity has millions of bacteria and fungi that coexist peacefully. They usually do not cause disease in healthy people, but will silently develop and wait for the opportunity to attack those with many risk factors, such as diabetic patients. If oral care is not practiced properly, people with diabetes are prone to complications such as:
-
Tooth decay
-
Gingivitis
-
Periodontitis
-
Oral thrush
Patients may experience one or more of the above complications simultaneously. If not detected and treated promptly, it will affect the health and daily life of the patient.
Warning Signs of Oral Disease in People with Diabetes
Some symptoms that warn of oral problems in people with diabetes are:
-
Bleeding gums, especially when flossing or brushing.
-
Chronic bad breath, even after brushing.
-
Red or swollen gums
-
Receding gums, making teeth look bigger and longer.
-
Tongue, oral mucosa, gums… with white patches like cheese.
-
Loose teeth
-
Loss of taste
When they first appear, oral diseases may not have obvious symptoms. Therefore, people with diabetes should have regular dental checkups to detect the disease early and treat it promptly.
How to Prevent Oral Diseases for People with Diabetes
The best way to prevent complications from diabetes is to control blood sugar. Normal blood sugar helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms that live in the body. At the same time, the natural immune system is also healthier, enhancing the body’s ability to protect itself.
To maintain blood sugar levels at a normal level, it is necessary to take medicine regularly and adjust your diet and lifestyle accordingly.
Regularly check blood sugar and notify your doctor if the results are not stable. The doctor will change the medication regimen to suit the patient’s condition.
Diabetic Patients Need Proper Oral Care
In addition to controlling blood sugar, people with diabetes also need to pay attention to proper oral care. The following measures should be strictly followed:
-
Brush your teeth at least twice a day
-
Use a soft toothbrush, change your toothbrush every 3 months.
-
Use dental floss after every meal.
-
Rinse your mouth twice a day with an antiseptic solution
-
Drink enough water, do not let your mouth become dry and cracked.
-
Regularly self-examine teeth and mouth.
-
See your dentist every 6 months.
-
Do not eat a lot of sweets and sugary foods.
MiraChlor mouthwash with pure HOCl ingredients helps to effectively prevent and treat oral problems, especially wounds in the oral mucosa.
– Daily antibacterial mouthwash
– Helps deodorize, prevent plaque
– Supports healing of mouth sores