Condition of your mouth is a direct reflection upon your general well being. A study by US Surgeon General has brought out a chilling fact. Undertaken in 2003, this study states that 90% Americans suffering from Diabetes, kidney troubles or heart diseases also have orthodontic troubles. Amazingly, 75% of the American population suffers from one or the other form of dental problems. If you have not taken a notice of your dental condition till now, these statistics should wake you out of your “I am O.K” slumber. If you are a diabetic, there is an increased chance that you could be suffering from one of many afflictions like tooth decay, gum disease, salivary gland malfunction, fungal infection or loss of taste. Diabetes and care for dental problems go hand in hand. Make a beginning today and visit your dentist for a check up and arrest these diseases before they start troubling you.

Diabetes: Dental Care Now!

Diabetes essentially means lack of insulin to break down blood sugar. This has a serious impact on the oral health. Since your body is no more breaking down the sugars, glucose levels in your saliva will tend to be higher. This relates to an increased bacterial activity as your mouth is now serving like a Petri dish. In such cases, regular brushing of teeth assumes monumental importance.

When you visit your dentist, do inform him if you are diabetic. It will help if you carry your case sheet along to help the dentist reach an informed diagnosis.

High levels of glucose in saliva lead to plaque formation quite quickly. If you do not take adequate precautions, it will surely develop into tartar and that will be like opening the flood gates. Once you develop bleeding gums, they are next to impossible to cure with the diabetic conditions. Save yourself from looking like Dracula and arrest plaque formation at an early stage.

It is a good idea to visit your dentist as soon as you are diagnosed to be diabetic. He can suggest the type of toothpaste to be used under such conditions. You will have to give up on your sugary toothpaste and syrupy mouth wash. These can quickly worsen the oral hygiene. It will be a good time to go in for a dental care plan as well.

A case of swollen or bleeding gums must be immediately reported to a dentist. Timely action will probably save your teeth. Even if it is a simple tooth ache, do not take it lightly and do see your dentist. He might suggest changing your food habits as well.

People with diabetes are more likely to develop fungal infection of gums than others. Known as Oral Candidiasis, fungal infection occurs due to high glucose levels and will deteriorate if you smoke or take antibiotics regularly. Seen as white patches inside the mouth, it causes ulcers and can be very painful and difficult to treat.

A higher level of blood glucose relates to dry mouth. Lack of saliva is also enhanced by smoking. A diabetic smoker is inviting trouble in the form of ulcers as absence of saliva increases dryness leading to ulceration.

Termed as the silent killer, diabetes works without much notice and has ill effects all over the body. These ulcers do not heal quickly and also cause a great deal of pain through out their existence. So, it is better to remember your grannies advice and stay away from sweets and chocolates if you want to have good oral state.