There’s another pandemic sweeping the country at present, too – diabetes. You may think of diabetes as an eating disorder, but it is also dangerous for dental disease. The problem is that many people are not aware that they have diabetes – or are at risk of developing it.
So, we at your Dentist Epping will tell you some of the oral health signs for possible diabetes.
Does brushing or flossing cause your gums to bleed? This can be a sign of early gum disease. Do come to see us if this is the case to ensure you are brushing and flossing correctly.
Do you feel unusually thirsty or dry-mouthed? This can be a consequence of high blood sugar and some medications. Make sure you drink plenty of water! Chewing sugarless gum and eating healthy crunchy foods can stimulate saliva. This helps wash excess food off your teeth and stop cavities from forming.
Are you finding that foods don’t taste as good as you remember? Diabetes can do that to you. Be careful, though, not to add extra sugar in compensation! That will only increase your blood sugar levels and the risk of cavities in your teeth. Instead, try using different spices to flavour your foods. For a varied mouthfeel, look for different textured foods to eat.
Are you getting thrush infections more often now? Thrush is a yeast infection that feeds on the sugars in your saliva. It looks like a white coating on your tongue or the insides of your cheeks. A diabetes-compromised immune system allows it.
Have you got any cold sores or cuts in your mouth that don’t seem to heal completely? High blood sugar levels can make it more difficult for them to heal.
We at your supportive Dentist Epping can tell you some good news, though. You can take charge of your Oral health today! Controlling your blood sugar, brushing, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist can go a long way to help decrease the likelihood of developing these diabetes-related mouth issues.
You can also aim to control your blood sugar by following an appropriate diet to stop further gum disease.
Treating any of the forms of gum disease can help you improve control of your blood sugar levels. Practising good oral hygiene and having us do a professional clean every three months will help decrease the disease’s progression.
Please come and see us at your Dentist Epping if you have any of these symptoms so you can get on top of these problems as soon as possible.
To find out more, please click the link for an appointment for a consultation:
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9868 3037
9868 3037