5 Tips To Prevent Gum Disease If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition that is becoming more prone in the United States. More and more people are being diagnosed with this disease every year and this certainly is not a good thing. What’s even scarier is that the cases of young people being diagnosed with the condition are also increasing. This is a disease that you or your child will have to battle for the rest of your lives and it can lead to major heart, nerve, kidney, eye, and gum complications. Most people know that diabetes can affect their heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes, but they are surprised to learn that it could potentially lead to gingivitis. Below, you will learn how you can avoid letting your diabetes turn into gum disease.

Why Is Gingivitis Worse For Diabetic Patients

Before you learn about preventing gingivitis, you need to understand why the condition is worse for individuals with diabetes. First, gum disease starts with bacteria build up on and around the teeth. This bacteria will usually expand to the gums. There really is no difference between the bacteria in the mouth of an individual with diabetes and a healthy individual. The major difference is that individuals with diabetes are going to have a greater inflammatory response to the bacteria. This basically means that your gums will be more vulnerable to this bacteria.

Avoid Acidic Drinks

Any expert from BriteGums will tell you that individuals with diabetes will need to avoid acidic drinks at all costs. This will include drinks like sodas, energy drinks, and even water with lemon can be hazardous. The reason that you want to avoid such drinks is that they can erode the enamel of the teeth, which eventually only lead to decay.

Floss Daily

Many people already know that flossing is important, but it is still widely overlooked. Flossing is something that you do not want to overlook if you are diagnosed with diabetes. You will need to floss on a daily basis between each tooth, sliding up and down and back and forth gently. At first, your gums might bleed, but they will eventually get used to the procedure.

Don’t Forget The Tongue

Most people do even know that they are supposed to brush their tongues. Well, this is where most of the bacterium in the mouth is and brushing the tongue can help remove it. It might make you gag and feel like you are going to throw up at first, but after a while, you will get used to the process.

Don’t Forget The Gum Line

Not only is it important to brush the teeth, but it is also important to brush the gum line as well. You want to make sure that you are tackling the teeth and gum line for a full two minutes at least twice a day.

Visit The Dentist

Above all else, it is imperative to see a dentist in New York at least once a year. Oral checkups can keep you ahead of the game and prevent any unforeseen issues down the road.