Diabetes can Adversely Affect Your Oral Health

Fri, 18 Nov 2011
Many of us know that diabetes is such a condition that it increases your risk of developing strokes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness and nervous system disease. However, many people are not aware that the condition also heightens your risk of having tooth decay, gum disease and oral infections which renders your diabetes harder to control.

Diabetes can have an adverse impact on your oral health .

Each time you consume foods and drinks which contain sugars and starches, such as, pasta, rice and bread, food particles remain on your teeth which form plaque.

The bacteria in plaque feeds on such food particles and releases an acid which destroys the outer layers of the tooth, enamel; this causes tooth decay .

In cases where diabetes is not effectively being controlled, the high glucose levels within the mouth become a constant food source for bacteria to continue to produce acids. This extra acid production exposes teeth to more regular and longer periods of acid attacks which increases the risk for tooth decay.

To control sugar intake, read food labels and select foods containing naturally occurring sugars, such as, fresh fruit, veg and whole grains.

Opt for hot and cold drink with no sugar, or low in added sugars.

Restrict your intake of sugary foods, like cakes, sweets, chocolates and biscuits.

Try to ensure you drink lots of water and reduce snacking between meals as that reduces the build up of acid.

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