If you have diabetes, maintaining your oral health through dental care is of tremendous importance.   Proper care of your teeth and gums will greatly aid in the management of your diabetes.  Some of the most common issues that are attributed to diabetes include: tooth decay, gum disease, fungal infections, and changes in taste and saliva flow.

When you eat a meal that contain sugars or starches, the bacteria that live on your teeth convert some of these sugars into acids.  These acids break down your tooth enamel.   You should be aware that many “sugar free” beverages on the market contain a high level of acidity which can further contribute to the breakdown of enamel.  If you have diabetes and don’t control it through a diabetes diet your saliva may have a higher concentration of glucose that helps oral bacteria thrive.   This can contribute to an attack on enamel and eventually cause cavities.  In order to maintain great diabetes control and oral health it is important to understand how your diet affects your oral health.

How can you help to maintain optimal oral health? The most common advice you’ll hear is to brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and floss on a daily basis.   If you find flossing difficult, there are many inter-dental cleaners at your local pharmacy that can aid in the process.   However, even with thorough brushing and flossing, sometimes this won’t be enough.   Eating a healthy diet can significantly aid in decreasing your risk for dental problems.  The frequency with which you eat is also involved in keeping your teeth heatlhy.  Keeping snacking to a minimum can pay great dividends with tooth health, and drinking water throughout the day will help to dilute the acids that get created after you eat.

Remember, even though diabetes may put you at an higher risk for oral health problems, you still have the power to reduce your risk significantly.  Thoughtful home care and diet can greatly aid in maintaining your health!