Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages the “better management of risk factors” to reduce the risk of health complications from diabetes. For example, smoking can contribute to the worsening of health outcomes. “Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increased blood sugar,” warned the CDC. “That’s why it’s so important to make and keep dentist appointments even if you feel fine.”
Healthy gums “should be pink, firm, and keep your teeth securely in place”, said the NHS.
If you do have gum disease, two of the initial warning signs include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing your teeth.
During the early stages of gum disease, you might hear a dentist refer to it as “gingivitis”.
Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which can cause other unusual signs inside of your mouth.
Firstly, bad breath (i.e. halitosis) could be a warning sign of periodontitis.
Secondly, an “unpleasant taste in your mouth” is another troubling symptom.
“Loose teeth can make eating difficult,” the NHS added, and you can even develop gum abscesses.
A gum abscess is where a “collection of pus” develops under the gums or teeth.
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“You should make an appointment to see your dentist if you think you may have gum disease,” the NHS advised.
Gum disease can make diabetes harder to manage, the CDC confirmed, so how can you get the condition under control?
The NHS goes into detail as to what “good deal hygiene” entails to curb gum disease.
Good oral hygiene involves:
- Brushing teeth, twice daily, for two minutes each time
- Using toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Floss daily, before brushing your teeth
- Don’t smoke
- Visit your dentist annually.
The NHS made it clear that people should not rinse their mouth immediately after brushing their teeth.
“It’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. This dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects,” the NHS said.
People are also advised not to use mouthwash straight after brushing their teeth.
“It’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth,” the NHS added.
Instead, mouthwash is ideal after eating lunch, and people are recommended not to eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards.
When it comes to flossing, expect to see blood at first if you have gum disease.
As the gums become healthier, the bleeding should stop; if it doesn’t, the NHS suggest asking your dentist about the proper technique for flossing.
If you have healthier gums, it’s one way to help control blood sugar levels.
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