Skip to content

Beauty Over Age 50

Diabetes and oral health care

I got diagnosed with Diabetes on June 2000, a month after my beloved son died. It was my desire to have another baby at some point so I underwent a thorough medical checkup. The diagnosis should not have stopped me from having another baby but I felt I needed to have my diabetes under control. Perhaps it was because of my deep sadness over my son’s death that I had no desire to take care of myself. I struggled with my overweight body until there came a time that my blood pressure shot up to 160/90 which seemed so scary. My stress test showed distressing results that the doctor thought I needed Angioplasty. An angiogram revealed no major arteries were blocked. Phew what a relief.

Being diabetic made me take some changes in my life like small frequent meals, exercise, and being careful to about infections.  People like myself are 2x times more likely to develop serious gum problems.

Why?

Well, diabetes makes my body more susceptible to bacterial infection, since there is a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums. I was not aware of gum problems until my dentist fitted me with my new invisalign dental braces.  There was a time my gums became swollen. Just by sheer coincidence, Colgate sent me a two tubes of Colgate Total® Pro-Gum Health toothpaste for me to use. I am glad that I am informed of this special toothpaste that may help a lot of diabetic patients out there.

Good oral health could improve diabetes control

People with diabetes can protect their oral health simply  by brushing with a toothpaste specially formulated for gum health. A toothpaste like Colgate Total® Pro-Gum Health toothpaste can help reduce bacteria build-up that cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease and  provides bacteria protection even after brushing.

Those with poorly controlled diabetes increase their risk of gum problems. Periodontitis can also make diabetes control more difficult. This is because inflammation of the gums can reduce the action of insulin, leading to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels. Researchers believe that there is a two way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes.

Read More »Diabetes and oral health care