Diabetes: Tips on oral health

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the mouth. Learn how to avoid them.
If you have diabetes, be sure to take care of your oral health. People with diabetes are at risk for infections in the mouth, including gum disease (periodontal disease). This disease damages the gums and bones of the jaw (which is to hold the teeth in place) and can cause much pain when chewing. Those who suffer a severe infection of the gums may lose teeth. Gum disease might also hamper the control of sugar (glucose) in blood.

Other problems caused by diabetes is a condition known as dry mouth or dry mouth and a fungal infection called oral candidiasis. Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva (the liquid that keeps the mouth moist). Furthermore, diabetes may increase the level of glucose in the saliva. The combination of these problems could lead to thrush, a small white ulcers that appear in the mouth that are painful.

You can have healthy teeth and gums. To control the level of glucose in the blood and prevent gum disease, it is important to brush your teeth and use dental floss every day and take examinations. If diabetes is not under control, the possibility of having problems in your mouth increases.
Take steps to maintain the health of your mouth. Refer to the dentist when you have dental problems.

If you have diabetes, take the following measures:

* Check the level of glucose in the blood.
* Brush your teeth and floss every day.
* Go to the dentist regularly. Do not forget to tell you have diabetes.
* Inform the dentist if your dentures (false teeth) it is not convenient or sore gums.
* Quit smoking. Smoking worsens gum disease. The doctor or dentist can help you quit smoking.

Take a few minutes to inspect your mouth regularly and identify any problems. Sometimes the gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss pass. It is also possible that you have dryness, soreness, white patches or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Any of these symptoms warrant an appointment with the dentist.

Remember, adequate control of blood glucose will help prevent problems in the mouth.