Diabetes in our country has turned out to be so common where approximately 1 in 11 Indians are been diagnosed with diabetes and therefore with the fact India is called the Diabetes capital of the world. And, in most households, diabetes, also known as sugar, is known as 'the sugar disease'.
According to a recent survey conducted by ICMR, It has been said that there would be an approximately a 42% increase in Diabetic cases by 2025 in India. Isn’t this alarming?
The interesting part is that lack of awareness is the primary cause of India's rising number of diabetic cases. While looking at the root cause of Diabetes, it has been proven that The food habits of Indians multiplied with a lifestyle with limited or no physical activity causes many Indians to be prone to this disease.
High blood sugar levels exert enormous outcomes on general health Possible long-term effects include damage to large and small blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, feet, and nerves. The oral cavity is found one of all the organs and systems affected in the course of Diabetes.
Though, a number of oral disorders have been associated with diabetes gum disease has received the greatest attention both among patients as well as dentists. In such cases, it is highly important to know the answer to two important questions….
Why people with high sugar levels are more prone to gum diseases?
And what can be done to control this?
The mechanism of why gum diseases are common among diabetic patients is very complex to explain, in simple it can be said that when there is elevated or uncontrolled blood sugar level there is enhanced inflammation to the periodontal tissue ( the structure that surrounds and supports the roots of a tooth) leading to tissue destruction and diminished repair of damaged tissue. This contributes to the periodontal tissue destruction seen in patients with diabetes.
And how to control this?
The answer to this is very simple, your periodic Dentist visits can help to control this. A regular dental check-up can record the status of your gum health. This can help to prevent worsening of the periodontal/gum health.
One interesting fact that we all need to know is that Periodontitis/gum disease and diabetes have a bidirectional (two-way) relationship. This means that even severe periodontitis can in turn affected by increasing blood sugar levels. A number of observational studies provide further evidence to support the concept that periodontitis can adversely affect glycemic management. In order to make it simple treating gum disease can positively control blood sugar levels in Diabetic patients thereby decreasing the progression of the disease.
Therefore, Visiting your Dentist is the simplest solution to this circle of controlling diabetes and managing gum infections.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY ORAL HEALTH?
Maintaining good glycemic control
Visiting your dentist at least 6 months once along with Blood sugar reports ( in case if the patient is diabetic)
Taking care of your teeth and gums every day
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
Clean in between your teeth at least once a day using dental floss or water flossers.
Strictly Do not use toothpicks or any kind of pins to clean food particles in between your teeth.
Be sure to tell your dentist about your diabetes as well as all other health concerns you have and the medications you take. You and your dentist can aim for planning your treatment at a time that works well regarding your meals and medications needed to manage your diabetes.
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