Caring for your oral health when you have diabetes

Diabetes Awareness Month is November, a time to shine a light on the oral health implications of an escalating epidemic that affects one in every eleven South Africans.

Aside from the numerous health issues that come with diabetes, there is also a well-established two-way relationship between diabetes and oral health.

Diabetes increases your chances of having bleeding gums, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Diabetes patients may also have a lower resistance to infection and heal more slowly, which can exacerbate gum problems.

One of the causes of diabetes-related oral health problems is dry mouth, which occurs when the body produces insufficient saliva. Dry mouth affects approximately 42% of diabetics (medically known as xerostomia).

Saliva is the body’s method of cleaning the mouth. Plaque and bacteria accumulate more quickly without saliva to wash them away, increasing the likelihood of bad breath, gum disease, and dental decay.

Dry mouth is rarely relieved by simply drinking more water. It can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. It may be more difficult to swallow and speak. Dry mouth patients can become malnourished in severe cases.

According to Dirna Grobbelaar, Ivohealth’s oral hygiene expert, symptoms of dry mouth include thirst, a burning sensation on the tongue, dry, cracked lips – particularly around the corners of the mouth – bad breath, and impaired taste.

She advises avoiding caffeinated or sugary foods and beverages.

“The first priority is to rehydrate the mouth.”

For temporary relief, drink plenty of water. Chewing gum can increase saliva production. Hydrating products, such as GUM Hydral Dry Mouth Relief gel or spray, lubricate oral tissues, soothe irritation, and form a protective coating in the mouth, providing longer-lasting relief.

“If you have dry mouth, you should avoid smoking. The same is true for alcoholic beverages, which cause dehydration.”

“Extra special attention should be given to your oral care routine because of the high risk of cavities and gum disease,” Grobbelaar advises.

“Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use floss or an interdental tool to clean between your teeth on a daily basis. Then rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash.”

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene will help you live a healthier life if you have diabetes. As soon as you are diagnosed, make a dental appointment. Inform them of your diagnosis and continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis so that your dental team can detect any problems early.

A professional cleaning by an oral hygienist is recommended at least every six months. This will help keep your mouth in good shape by removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that brushing alone cannot remove.

A diabetes-friendly oral care routine:

“The simplest way to prevent the majority of common oral health problems is to maintain an effective daily oral care routine. It’s even more critical if you have diabetes,” Grobbelaar says.

• Brush: Brushing the teeth correctly at least twice a day is the most important part of a daily oral care routine. Brush for two minutes each time, using a gentle, circular motion to clean each tooth. Use a manual brush or a power brush with soft bristles, such as the GUM Sonic Sensitive. Brushing too hard can cause gum damage.
• Clean in-between: Cleaning between the teeth and under the gum line on a daily basis is essential for removing plaque. Floss or another interdental tool, such as GUM Soft-Picks Advanced, should be used. If you’re unsure about which tool or size to use, consult your dentist.
  Rinse: To reach areas that brushing and flossing cannot, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash, such as antibacterial GUM Paroex, for added confidence.
• Hydrate: If you have dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, rehydrate by drinking plenty of water, chewing gum to stimulate saliva, and using moisturising products such as GUM Hydral Dry Mouth Relief as needed.

Speak to your dentist or oral hygienist for more information on maintaining good oral health when you have diabetes.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).