Prevention is Better Than Cure: Why Oral Check-ups are Important for Patients with Diabetes

In a recent scientific study, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh compared the oral care habits of people with and without diabetes. Their findings showed that people with diabetes in general have a lack of clarity about the ideal oral health needs, and how to prevent oral problems.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, USA recommends that patients with diabetes watch out for some specific oral problems, because they can often occur when the sugar levels are high. These include gum disease, dry mouth, and infections. But don’t be concerned, these are easy to prevent!

Your dentist is the best person to advise you on your road to oral healthcare. He or she can advise you on the best course of action. If you have diabetes, you should make it a point to discuss this with your dentist, so that he or she can consider this as well.

There are several expert-recommended and simple courses of action you can start on right now, to prevent oral problems:

• Keep a close eye on your sugar levels: This isn’t just good for controlling diabetes, it also helps keep oral problems associated with sugar levels in check.
• Brush frequently: At the minimum, you should be brushing twice a day, and ideally, every meal should be followed by a thorough brush. Floss once a day.
• Use soft-bristled toothbrushes: This helps the enamel (the top layer of a tooth) and gums to stay protected.
• Get the best options: Use specialized toothpastes such as Colgate Diabetics, which are known to keep gum disease away, and antiseptic mouthwashes, which can help reduce bacteria buildup.

Diabetes can often increase the risk of several dental diseases, which in turn can make diabetes care more complicated. However, the fact remains that all these are easily preventable if you take some additional precautions. After all, keeping the disease away in the first place is the first line of defense and the best route to a healthy smile!