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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.

Another research shows that treatment for periodontitis in people with diabetes may lead to improvements in diabetes control. This suggests that maintaining a healthy mouth and healthy gums may help with diabetes control.
colgate total pro gum health

It is important to learn more about diabetes and oral health, including ways to manage related oral health complications. With proper dental care and control of blood glucose levels many diabetic patients are able to prevent gum problems and maintain a healthy mouth.

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Tips for keeping your mouth healthy

Even if you are not a diabetic, taking care of our gums are important.  Gum problems include infection on the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

One of these problems is Gingivitis , an inflammation of the soft tissue of the gums . Take a look at this image:

Gum problems are caused by bacteria. In the mouth, a film of plaque, consisting of bacteria and saliva constantly forms and sticks to teeth and gums. This bacteria accumulation can lead to Gingivitis.

Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day helps to remove bacterial plaque from teeth which helps prevent gingivitis and manage periodontal disease. One has to clean between the teeth at least once a day with floss or inter-dental brushes to remove bacterial plaque.

It is just as important to see your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis so they can check the health of your teeth and gums and treat any problems early before they become too advanced.

Being a diabetic can be quite challenging but  I have learned to manage it. It is a matter of making  healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, and move more every day.

If you want to know more about diabetes and gum care, just  read the compiled articles here.

 

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