01244 343 353
Diabetes Week takes place during 10-16 June 2019 and is a UK initiative that concentrates on raising awareness and understanding of diabetes and raising money for research.
Many people, and that includes some of those currently living with diabetes, don’t understand that the condition puts you at a greater risk of developing gum disease. This is why it is important to update your medical health when you see your dentist, because sharing information about a new diagnosis will ensure your dentist is alerted to your risk.
Why is the risk elevated?
People with diabetes who struggle to keep their blood sugar levels within the target range will may end up with high blood sugar levels for prolonged periods. This leads to sugar in the saliva, which then affects the teeth and gums.
In addition, gum disease and infection can raise blood sugar levels!
This is why it is very important to ensure that your home care regime is excellent, and to boost this with regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments. You should ensure you attend as often as recommended, this may be at three or six-monthly intervals depending on what your dentists feels will be more beneficial to your health, so please do follow their advice.
What can you do?
• Try to keep blood sugars within your target range
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
• Floss your teeth to ensure you are thoroughly cleaning
• See your dentist and hygienist as often as they recommend
• If your notice reddened or sore gums, or anything else out of the ordinary, don’t wait, book a dental appointment straight away.
If you’d like more advice on how to care for your teeth and gums while living with diabetes, we’d be more than happy to help. Just call us on 01244 343 353.
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