Month: June 2023

Healthy teeth are essential for all of us, and to maintain healthy teeth, we need to prevent decay. One of the primary reasons for tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. But did you know that high blood sugar has a two-way effect on your dental health?

How we care for our mouth reflects on our overall health and vice versa, i.e., if we have high blood sugar, heart condition, or other diseases, it affects our teeth.

Diabetes is one such condition that makes it harder to maintain proper oral health. So, if you are suffering from this disease, taking proper care of your mouth is all the more important. High blood sugar tends to weaken WBCs (White Blood Cells) which are responsible for fighting all kinds of infections in our body.

This article will examine the close relationship between diabetes and oral health and how they significantly affect each other.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic chronic autoimmune disease that results in hyperglycemia (high levels of blood glucose.) This disease is caused primarily due to the body not producing enough insulin or being unable to utilize insulin properly.

• Type I diabetes happens when the beta cells in our pancreas produce very little to no insulin. Around five to ten percent of all diabetic patients suffer from this type.
• Type II diabetes occurs in almost eighty-five to ninety percent of patients with a decreased response of target tissues to insulin, insulin production is dysregulated, or both.
  

Link Between Oral Hygiene and Diabetes

A group of bacteria in the plaque causes gum diseases. They generate toxins that inflame the gums, and this condition is called gingivitis. Gum disease increases blood sugar, which can cause complications in diabetic people, such as heart problems and worsening of eyes, blood vessels, nerves, and kidney problems.

• If someone suffers from Type II diabetes, they have three times more chances of developing dental issues.
• If the sugar in your blood increases, it also increases the sugar in your saliva, making it easy to breed a second group of bacteria in your mouth. 
• Diabetes can cause a hoard of oral issues, as listed below:
  • Xerostomia or dry mouth could result from extra blood sugar with a lack of saliva in our mouths. It could lead to many other dental issues like tooth decay, soreness in the mouth, and more.
  • Diabetes also causes delayed or impaired healing in the mouth.
  • The chances of oral infections increase along with their severity.
  • You can develop parotid salivary gland enlargement, leading to dental problems, viral and bacterial infections, salivary gland stones, and various other conditions.
• Periodontitis is a gum disease that causes tooth decay, receding gums, etc., and is also linked with prediabetes. Periodontitis results in higher HbA1c, which can worsen diabetic conditions. Severe periodontal issues are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Periodontal Care Can Aid In Glycemic Control

Evidence shows you can improve your glycemic control if you go for periodontal treatments like root planing and scaling. It has been observed that periodontal treatments can lower your HbA1C levels within three months. Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent diabetes by treating gum disease:

• You must visit your dentist regularly and follow your diabetes care schedule. With professional care, x-rays, and cleanings, you may be able to check your diabetes and stop it from flaring.
• Keep your teeth clean by brushing them twice daily and flossing at least once daily. For a healthy mouth, brush with fluoride toothpaste.
• If you find your gums are swollen, red, or bleeding easily, immediately contact your dentist.
• Minimize intake of sweet foods and drinks.
• Smoking worsens oral health and also affects diabetes. Keeping a check on smoking or quitting it altogether would immensely help both your oral as well as overall health.
• If you have scheduled any non-emergency dental procedures, you should postpone them if your blood sugar is not well managed. But if you have an acute infection such as an abscess, you must treat them immediately.
• When you visit your dentist, let him or her know the status of your diabetes. Check your Hg1AC (glycosylated hemoglobin) levels (a well-managed blood glucose level would keep Hg1AC under seven percent.)
• If you ever suffer from an episode of low blood sugar, you might have another one. You must report this to your dentist with details like when the last episode occurred, how frequently you have low blood sugar, and when you took your last insulin dose.

The relationship between oral health and diabetes is bi-directional, affecting each other. You must maintain good oral hygiene and go for regular dental checkups to avoid any other health conditions. If you already suffer from diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels with lifestyle changes and medication is essential, so your dental health is not adversely impacted.

Minerals such as fluoride are beneficial for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay. It is found naturally in water, soil, and some foods but is also added to many kinds of toothpaste and other dental products. 

However, not all toothpaste contains the same amount of fluoride, and knowing how much is right for you can be challenging. Throughout this article, we will discuss how much of the same should be used in oral care products and why it is essential.

How much fluoride is good for your dental health?

A toothpaste containing at least 1000 parts per million of fluoride is recommended for adults by the American Dental Association (ADA). In addition, a lower concentration of about (500 ppm) of it is recommended for children under six years of age to prevent fluorosis, a condition that causes white spots on teeth.

Children under the age of 2 should use only a smear of brushing paste about the size of a grain of rice, and parents should supervise brushing to ensure that the child does not swallow the paste. A toothpaste’s fluoride content depends on several factors, including the user’s age, the state of their dental health, and the risk of decay.

People at high risk of tooth decay, such as those with a history of cavities or poor oral hygiene, may benefit from using a higher fluoride concentration. However, it is essential to consult a dentist or dental hygienist to determine the appropriate amount you should be using.

Most dentists recommend brushing twice every day with fluoride paste, using a pea-sized amount for adults and a tiny smear for kids. Spitting out the paste after brushing and avoiding rinsing with water is also essential, as this can wash away the minerals and reduce their effectiveness.

What things to keep in mind while using fluoride paste? 

Here is an overview of the things you should keep in mind while brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste:

• Fluoride effectively prevents tooth decay because it helps remineralize the teeth’s enamel. Bacteria produce acid in your mouth when you eat or drink, which dissolves minerals in enamel and makes them more prone to decay. In addition, using Fluoride mouthwash provides slightly more protection than using toothpaste alone.
• While fluoride toothpaste can effectively prevent tooth decay, it is not a substitute for good oral hygiene habits. It can help replace harmful minerals and strengthen the enamel, preventing cavities from forming. However, it is vital to use it in the correct order to maximize its benefits.
• Furthermore, the overconsumption of fluoride is harmful, and ingesting too much of it during childhood could cause fluorosis, the condition that causes white spots on the teeth. In rare cases, it can also cause skeletal fluorosis, which affects the bones and joints. However, these conditions are rare and usually occur only with long-term exposure.

Lastly, following your dentist’s guidelines and instructions is the easiest way to avoid excessive fluoride intake. To ensure your kids do not swallow too much of the toothpaste, you should monitor and supervise them while they brush.

In addition, fluoride is also found in other dental products, such as mouthwash and professional oral treatments. Again, the appropriate amount of its usage will depend on individual factors, such as age and oral health, so consulting a dentist is advised.

Fluoride toothpaste can be an effective tool in preventing tooth decay when used correctly. Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings are essential to maintaining oral health. And on top of it, good-quality toothpaste can help you flaunt the smile of your dreams!