Oral health empowers your diabetes management

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Invest in the right dental care accessories to secure your battle against diabetes and its complications

By Farhana Chowdhury

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Published: Thu 27 Aug 2020, 12:25 PM

Last updated: Mon 31 Aug 2020, 2:37 PM


When we talk about diabetes, the first step is to maintain optimum sugar levels in the body. One of the most common thoughts that come to mind is to do this through a controlled diet, and at times, with the assistance of medicines. But did you know that oral health is just as important to keep your health in check?

Oral health is closely intertwined with diabetes. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at high risk of developing gum disease. On the other hand, gum diseases tend to aggravate the situation and pose a negative impact on blood sugar control. This collectively increases the risk of complications.

So, what is the best course of action? Adopt a healthy dental routine. This involves investing in the right tools, using proper techniques and of course, keeping up a habit of visiting your dentist.


Here are few tips to get started:

.    If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, schedule a visit to your dentist right away. After that, follow up with regular visits to your dentist. Ideally, this should take place every six months.

.    Invest in a reliable dental care brand. There are many in the market, but it's best to opt for one that offers a variety of products for personal care. After all, everyone's needs are different.

.    Identify the right type. The bristles on a toothbrush come in three typical types - soft, medium and hard. If you have sensitive gums and teeth, pick the soft bristles. If you want a sturdy clean, then medium or hard is right for you.

.    Electric or regular toothbrushes? It's truly up to preferences as both their composition is designed to give lasting results. People who use electric varieties, however, have shown to have healthier gums and less tooth decay. This may simply be due to electric brushes requiring less effort compared to regular brushing.

.    Complement your brushing routine with add-ons. Items like interdental brushes, floss thread, mouthwashes and interdentals guarantee a superior clean. The bristles on interdental brushes specially make sure to reach tight spaces that toothbrushes can't.

Steps to get the perfect clean every time

Wait before brushing: According to the pros, brush your teeth at least 15 to 20 minutes after eating. This will give ample time for your saliva to wash out food-related acids. This guarantees an abrasive-free brushing experience.

Brush well for two minutes: Dentists across the globe recommend spending at least two minutes when brushing teeth. Circle and massage over the inner and outer sides of the teeth and gums, as well as the corners at the back.

Air-dry after brushing: Once done, leave your brush in a well-ventilated area to dry well and prevent bacteria and mould from growing on it.  

Change your brush every four months: Don't wait until your brush is discoloured or frayed, no matter how attached you may be.

Use interdentals: These handy tools help you reach the toughest nooks and crannies. Statistics show that pairing a toothbrush with an interdental brush removes plaque by 85 per cent.


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