Managing Diabetes through Good Oral Health

Known as the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’, India accounts for about 17% of total diabetic patients around the world. Alarming as it is, almost half a billion people today suffer from diabetes, which can mainly be attributed to changes in dietary patterns, a sedentary lifestyle and increased body weight. Suffering from diabetes is more than just having high blood sugar- diabetics are at a much higher risk for additional health concerns related to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, and the often overlooked- mouth.

Signs and Symptoms diabetics should look out for:

  1. Gum inflammation and bleeding: Inflammation and bleeding of the gums are typical symptoms of periodontal disease, often known as gum disease. Diabetes can impair the body’s capacity to fight infections, making gum disease more difficult to manage.
  2. Dry mouth: Elevated blood sugar levels can contribute to dry mouth, which can subsequently result in tooth decay and other issues with oral health.
  3. Tooth Decay: Cavities are more likely to form in diabetics due to changes in the oral environment brought on by elevated blood sugar levels.
  4. Thrush: Patients with diabetes who have elevated blood sugar levels are more prone to developing fungal infections like thrush, which can result in uncomfortable white spots in the mouth.
  5. Decreased healing capability: Excessive blood sugar levels can also delay the healing of mouth sores and other gum-related conditions.

Diabetes can take a serious toll on your health, especially your oral health. It’s important to not only beware and stay vigilant, but to also understand why and how diabetes can affect your oral health significantly.

Further exploring the link between diabetes and chronic gum conditions:

  • The amount of sugar in your saliva rises when you eat. As harmful bacteria in plaque consume sugar, they produce acid that erodes the enamel of your teeth and leads to decay. Cavities and other dental issues might result from this, endangering your oral health. Due to the increased sugar level in your saliva, people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and tooth decay.
  • Diabetes sufferers may experience more complications from gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support and surround your teeth, and it can result in tooth loss. It can also cause swelling and bleeding. Diabetes might cause gum disease to be more severe and to recover more slowly. Furthermore, managing your diabetes may be more challenging if you have gum disease because the infection might make it more challenging to control your blood sugar levels.
  • Diabetes can also harm your dental health by making you feel dry-mouthed. Due to certain drugs or high blood sugar levels, dry mouth happens when there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Speaking, eating, and swallowing may be challenging when you have dry mouth, and your chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay is also elevated.
  • Additionally, if you have diabetes, infections in your mouth may take longer to heal. Due to the fact that high blood sugar levels might impair your immune system, it will be more difficult for your body to fight off infections. It’s critical to get dental care right away if you have a mouth infection to stop it from spreading and compromising your oral health further.

A few ways you can aspire to maintain oral hygiene while managing your diabetes are:

  • Including routine dental visits in your diabetes treatment regimen, along with routine blood sugar readings, dietary modifications, foot exams, and physical activity. You may work together to avoid and treat any potential oral health issues by telling your dentist that you have diabetes.
  • Brushing your teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing ayurvedic compounds including Triphala, which can reduce tooth decay, Miswak, which removes plaque, Babool, which stops bleeding gums, and Irimeda, which promotes gum health. All of these components are included in the Himalaya Ayurveda Gum Care Toothpaste, which helps support maintaining excellent oral health.
  • Flossing daily to get rid of food particles lodged between teeth and avoid gum disease
  • Quitting smoking can lower your chances of gum disease and enhance your general health if you smoke.
  • If you wear dentures, be careful to take them out and clean them before bed to prevent any bacterial or debris buildup. Brushing your teeth 30 minutes after eating can help prevent tooth enamel erosion from acidic foods.
  • Blood sugar control is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. Your chance of acquiring gum disease and other oral health issues can increase if you have high blood sugar.

In conclusion, it is critical for everyone, but especially for people with diabetes, to maintain good dental health. With its special combination of natural ingredients, Himalaya Ayurveda Gum Care Toothpaste can help keep your gums healthy and stave off oral health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to visit your dentist frequently and let them know if your dental health changes. You can keep your gums strong and healthy by being proactive and using Himalaya Ayurveda Gum Care Toothpaste.