Who doesn’t want a set of beautiful and healthy teeth? The fact is that looking after your teeth is not expensive nor very difficult. To ensure that you keep smiling, here are a few simple tips to follow regularly-
As for other body checkups, dental checkups annually is equally important as it may identify dental diseases at a very early stage and may prevent tooth decay and other severe problems which might cost a lot of time, energy and money.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Germs and bacteria accumulate in your mouth throughout the day and the food accumulates between your teeth. That is why you have to brush after meals, preferably after dinner before you go to bed. Unless you do this, there is a good chance of plaque developing around your teeth. Therefore brushing twice daily i.e.
Clean your tongue every day after brushing. You can use a brush or a tongue cleaner. This is an important step of oral hygiene maintenance.
How you brush is important; if you don’t do it right, it’s as harmful as not brushing. Brush in gentle circular motions at a 45-degree angle. Your brushing shouldn’t last longer than 4 minutes or damage your enamel. Remember to use a soft-bristled brush. Change the toothbrush when you see frayed bristles.
Not a lot of people in India floss their teeth. Floss is a very thin cord that you can use to remove food particles or plaque stuck in between two teeth. Unless you floss, food deposits between teeth can lead to cavities.
Make sure you choose toothpaste that does not contain excessive abrasives. Fluoride is an excellent ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste. It is important to note that not everyone needs fluoridated toothpaste. Talk to your dentist for the right advice.
Another important thing is using mouth wash in moderation because Certain mouthwashes contain heavy dyes that can actually stain your teeth.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Rinse your mouth well after every meal and even snacks. This will help flush away any food particles that may have stuck in your teeth. Not everyone needs to use mouthwash every day. One can use it when advised by a dentist.
Drinking water frequently means you will wash down the bacteria that can harm your teeth. Drink water after your meals to negate the effect of acids. Or you can rinse your mouth with water too.
Make an appointment with your dentist twice a year. Consider this as a kind of preventive check-up. Your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth for any signs of plaque, tartar, cavities or gum disease. If there are any, you can take action right away.
Also Read: Soothing Nutrition: Best Foods To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
This is one of the most important dental care tips. All sweet-tasting foods contain sugars, which are converted to acids in your mouth. And acids are your teeth’s worst enemy.
Also, try to limit your intake of sweet and sticky food. If at all you love to have it, do not forget to brush your teeth after such meals.
Fruits and veggies that you have to chew a lot such as apples, pears, beets or broccoli trigger a surge in saliva production. And saliva is good for your teeth.
Teeth are as valuable as any other bone or organ in your body. They help you eat well and gain the required nutrition for the healthy functioning of your body.
Also Read: Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth? Unraveling the Mystery with Science
Apart from sugary sweets and foods, here are a few things to avoid if you’re serious about how to take care of teeth problems:
Also read: Unmasking The Truth: How Effective Is Oil Pulling For Teeth?
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Toothpaste has become an integral part of our lives. We have come a long way in perfecting the toothpaste we use, and nowadays we can find hundreds of options in the market when it comes to them. Buying the right toothpaste for yourself can take a while, especially as there are so many choices. You can get toothpaste for a specific need, or get one that suits you and your family members well. The only thing that matters is if the toothpaste you buy will keep your teeth and gums properly clean and healthy, or not.
With so many options, there are certain things that one should consider before buying toothpaste. The right toothpaste will cater to your needs and can help in keeping your teeth healthy and make you feel fresh. If you are not sure about which toothpaste you should get, here is a list of the 20 best toothpaste in the market:
| PRODUCT NAME | CHECK PRICE |
| Sensodyne sensitive repair & protect toothpaste tube of 70 g | BUY NOW |
| Vantej toothpaste hypersensitive tube of 50 g | BUY NOW |
| Sensodyne sensitive repair & protect toothpaste tube of 100 g | BUY NOW |
| Sensodyne sensitive rapid relief toothpaste tube of 80 g | BUY NOW |
| Colgate visible white sparkling mint whitening toothpaste tube of 100 g | BUY NOW |
| Dabur red paste 200gm | BUY NOW |
| Colgate charcoal clean toothpaste, bamboo charcoal and mint (black gel) 240g saver pack | BUY NOW |
| Colgate total whole mouth health, antibacterial toothpaste – 185g (charcoal deep clean, saver pack) | BUY NOW |
| Colgate toothpaste for kids (0-2 years), natural fruit flavour, fluoride-free – 70g tube | BUY NOW |
| Colgate swarna vedshakti toothpaste – 400gm saver pack | BUY NOW |
| Colgate cibaca anticavity toothpaste tube of 175 g | BUY NOW |
| Dabur meswak toothpaste tube of 300 g | BUY NOW |
| Chicco baby toothpaste strawberry 12 months+ – no fluoride 50 ml | BUY NOW |
| Colgate strong teeth toothpaste tube of 500 g saver pack | BUY NOW |
| Himalaya sparkling white toothpaste – 150g | BUY NOW |
| Sensodyne whitening toothpaste tube of 70 g | BUY NOW |
| Sensodyne fresh mint 150gm | BUY NOW |
| Sensodyne sensitive fresh mint toothpaste tube of 150 g | BUY NOW |
| Colgate active salt toothpaste tube of 300 g saver pack | BUY NOW |
| Dabur red toothpaste – 600g (buy 3 get 1 free – 150g) | BUY NOW |
Toothpaste has become an integral part of our lives. We have come a long way in perfecting the toothpaste we use, and nowadays we can find hundreds of options in the market when it comes to them. Buying the right toothpaste for yourself can take a while, especially as there are so many choices. You can get toothpaste for a specific need, or get one that suits you and your family members well. The only thing that matters is if the toothpaste you buy will keep your teeth and gums properly clean and healthy, or not.
With so many options, there are certain things that one should consider before buying toothpaste. The right toothpaste will cater to your needs and can help in keeping your teeth healthy and make you feel fresh. If you are not sure about which toothpaste you should get, here is a list of the 20 best toothpaste in the market:
Sensodyne toothpaste is a renowned product and is particularly suited for people with high tooth sensitivity. It contains stannous fluoride which is known for its reparative action and may tremendously help with tooth sensitivity.
Benefits
2. Vantej toothpaste hypersensitive tube of 50 g
This is another great choice for people with tooth sensitivity. This is a multi-functioning toothpaste for sensitivity that can not only help to brighten teeth, but also reduce the possibilities of cavities and gum diseases. It may also help to reduce tooth sensitivity and its foaming, non-fluoridated nature makes it one of the safest in the market.
Benefits
3. Sensodyne sensitive repair & protect toothpaste tube of 100 g
If you have to deal with pain whenever you eat or drink anything hot or cold, then this toothpaste can be a good choice for you. It is clinically proven to offer some relief from tooth sensitivity, and it also helps to keep your teeth clean, healthy and bright. The minty fresh breath that you get after using it is a perk too.
Benefits
4. Sensodyne sensitive rapid relief toothpaste tube of 80 g
The thinning of enamel can result in unwanted tooth sensitivity, which can be quite painful sometimes. The right toothpaste can help you deal with it, and this is a great example of that. The Sensodyne rapid relief toothpaste acts extremely fast on tooth sensitivity and even aids in protecting your teeth and gum from various dental problems.
Benefits
5. Colgate visible white sparkling mint whitening toothpaste tube of 100 g
The accumulation of plaque can give your teeth a yellowish appearance. This toothpaste can help you remove the soft deposits from your teeth, helping you achieve a healthier and brighter smile. It also helps to maintain oral hygiene and may protect from cavities as well.
Benefits
Dabur is one of the well-known toothpaste brands in India, with great reviews and millions of satisfied customers. This is an extremely popular toothpaste from Dabur, enriched with 13 Ayurvedic ingredients. It helps to reduce bad breath and may offer some protection against tooth-related troubles.
Benefits
7. Colgate charcoal clean toothpaste, bamboo charcoal and mint (black gel) 240g saver pack
Charcoal has been used by people in ancient times to keep their teeth clean. This charcoal toothpaste uses the cleansing properties of bamboo charcoal and also has the freshness of wintergreen mint, which makes it a wonderful combination. It is free of sugar and gluten and helps you to achieve a sparkling smile.
Benefits
8. Colgate total whole mouth health, antibacterial toothpaste – 185g (charcoal deep clean, saver pack)
This is one of the best products to get long-lasting protection against all forms of gum and teeth problems. This is an IDA certified, antibacterial toothpaste designed to improve your complete oral hygiene, and may also help to reduce cavities and plaque buildup in the mouth. It may even protect the teeth enamel and can offer fresh breath for almost 12 hours every day.
Benefits
9. Colgate toothpaste for kids (0-2 years), natural fruit flavour, fluoride-free – 70g tube
This is a preservative-free kids toothpaste. It is devoid of any artificial flavours, sweeteners or colours, but has a great taste. This Colgate Kids toothpaste is completely safe to use for kids, and it does not cause any serious health hazards if swallowed accidentally. It helps to properly maintain the oral hygiene of children.
Benefits
10. Colgate swarna vedshakti toothpaste – 400gm saver pack
This Colgate toothpaste offers complete oral protection against various gum and teeth problems for the whole family. It is enriched with the goodness of medicinal herbs like Clove, Neem, Honey, Amla and Tulsi which have proven benefits for your gums and teeth. It also aids in reducing bad breath and has a great natural taste.
Benefits
11. Colgate cibaca anticavity toothpaste tube of 175 g
This product comes in a fresh, minty flavour and will reduce the chances of a variety of tooth and gum problems. It helps to effectively clean your teeth and protect against plaque buildup. It also offers powerful protection against cavities and tooth decay.
Benefits
12. Dabur meswak toothpaste tube of 300 g
Made with the rare Meswak herb, this Dabur toothpaste helps to protect your teeth. It offers complete oral care It even contains Silica which helps in removing deposits from your teeth. It helps to prevent germ buildup and takes care of your gums and teeth.
Benefits
13. Chicco baby toothpaste strawberry 12 months+ – no fluoride 50 ml
This fluoride-free toothpaste is particularly suited to infants as it takes care of their milk teeth without harming them in any way. It is enriched with calcium and xylitol which may help to protect the teeth from cavities. The unique strawberry flavour also adds a fun element to the product.
Benefits
14. Colgate strong teeth toothpaste tube of 500 g saver pack
This product comes with Arginine Amino Shakti and offers better calcium and fluoride protection. This is a vegan toothpaste and is suitable for oral hygiene maintenance. It helps to keep your teeth clean and protect them from numerous problems.
Benefits
15. Himalaya sparkling white toothpaste – 150g
Himalaya is one of the most renowned and revered toothpaste brands in India, and this is one of their best products. It aids in reducing the occurrence of a tooth cavity and tooth decay, and the miswak and clove present in the toothpaste may offer germ protection all day long.
Benefits
16. Sensodyne whitening toothpaste tube of 70 g
This is a good toothpaste, also known for offering immediate relief from some types of tooth sensitivity. It can help people keep their teeth clean as well as bright.
Benefits
17. Sensodyne fresh mint 150 gm
Sensodyne is one of the leading toothpaste brands in India, with products for a multitude of tooth problems. This product is specifically meant for people with tooth sensitivity. It also provides rapid relief and is often recommended by dentists.
Benefits
18. Sensodyne sensitive fresh mint toothpaste tube of 150 g
Meant to provide relief from some types of tooth sensitivity, this toothpaste for sensitive teeth may also offer long-lasting protection from numerous gum and tooth problems. Its cool and refreshing taste is also an added perk.
Benefits
19. Colgate active salt toothpaste tube of 300 g saver pack
Proper dental care is extremely important for everyone, and this salt-infused toothpaste offers good oral care. This is a completely vegetarian product and is devoid of sugar and gluten. The salt helps to kill the germs present in the mouth and helps you get healthy and shiny teeth.
Benefits
20. Dabur red toothpaste – 600g (buy 3 get 1 free – 150g)
This Dabur Red toothpaste is fluoride-free and offers complete oral care for everybody. It is said to offer some protection from the risk of 7 major dental problems and is infused with Ayurvedic herbs that make it more potent. It also helps you get rid of bad breath and offers long-lasting mouth freshness.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits of using good toothpaste daily. Some of them are
Here are some things to keep in mind while buying any toothpaste:
The IDA seal stands for Indian Dental Association, and its seal of approval means that the toothpaste is recognised by the IDA and that it meets IDA’s standards.
It is important to check all the ingredients, especially the fluoride content while buying any toothpaste. Fluoride is mostly present in almost all toothpaste as it helps reduce the risk of teeth and gum diseases, but the quantity should be kept in check. Dentists may sometimes advise a non fluoridated toothpaste in some conditions.
Not all toothpaste is suitable for everyone. It depends on their requirements and their problems. People who have sensitive teeth should go for a toothpaste that will help them reduce their teeth sensitivity, whereas people whose main concern is teeth whitening should go for a different toothpaste. It totally depends on your needs.
You would need a manual or electric toothbrush to use the toothpaste properly. You can gently place the brush under some running water, apply the toothpaste on the bristles and then use it to clean your teeth twice a day. Do not use a hard toothbrush and brush on all sides of the arch so that no teeth remain unbrushed.
Do not forget to clean your tongue after brushing your teeth every day.
TIP- Visit a dentist every six months for a routine dental checkup
Also Read: Does Vaping Make Your Teeth Yellow: Exploring Dental Impact of Vaping
Toothpaste helps us to keep our teeth and gums clean and protects them from various forms of diseases. Using the right toothpaste to brush daily can keep your teeth and gum healthy and safe.
People used to brush with charcoal powder many years ago, but it has been proven that toothpaste is the right product to use when brushing teeth. It isn’t very abrasive and helps to keep your teeth and gums clean.
No, salt is too abrasive on the gums and the enamel and causes more harm than good. Instead, you can use toothpaste infused with salt to get its antibacterial properties and to keep your teeth clean and healthy at the same time.
There are many alternatives to using toothpaste but in most cases, they turn out to be really harmful to our teeth and gums. So, it is better to be on the safe side and go with toothpaste when it comes to the health of our teeth.
It is recommended to use toothpaste while brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time.
Peppermint is known for its cooling properties. It can soothe toothaches, fight off oral pathogens and has a refreshing minty aftertaste.
Yes, toothpaste usually expires about two years after they are manufactured.
Your 50’s should be the prime of your life. Most people imagine a comfortable family life with fewer worries than in your younger days. But poor health can rob you of this peaceful future. Luckily, with advances in medicine, there is plenty you can do to keep good health.
A trend we see is people visiting the doctor only when something goes wrong. While this type of curative medicine is common, preventive health is fast becoming an integral part of medicine. After all, having an increased lifespan is only enjoyable if you have a longer health span too!
Mammograms and Pap smears in females and prostate examinations apart from the routine heart, kidney and liver function tests are highly recommended in elderly and geriatric people to prevent and probably diagnose diseases at an early stage.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Preventative medical tests help to catch early warning signs of potential issues before any symptoms show up. There are a variety of screening tests that are recommended based on age milestones. When you are 50, your risk of developing long term serious medical issues rises.
Eating healthy, avoiding poor lifestyle choices (like smoking) and getting regular exercise are all part of preventive health care. But some medical conditions (for example, cancer) can affect even the most healthy person. Before you ask what medical tests do I need at 50? Let us first answer the question – how do these screening tests help you?
Not only blood tests, one should visit a doctor for a physical examination, eye exam, dental check-ups, echo, TMT etc. after 50.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
By having regular checkups and tests during your 50s, you and your doctor can monitor your health. There are several key markers that can indicate what’s going on inside your body. In case your doctor notices some measurement in your blood is out of the normal range, they can inform you. This early warning allows you to start treatment early and avoid further damage to your body.
If you are in your 50s, these will be what the doctor prescribes when you ask them what medical tests do I need at 50? Let’s dive in:
The Cardiac Risk markers test acts as a holistic suite of tests to measure your risk of developing cardiac issues. These also include testing for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even examining your family history.
Along with that, there is the Lipid Profile Test to measure your triglycerides and cholesterol. This is helpful not only for trying to ascertain heart problems but also pancreatitis and other issues.
Meeting with your cardiologist once a year is also recommended, especially if you are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems. Your cardiologist may perform only a physical exam or and ask about your health. But they may also prescribe:
Lastly, your doctor may also ask you to check your blood pressure regularly at home.
I routinely advise Hba1c, Liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, Prostate specific antigen for males, Pap smear for females, ECG, ECHO, TMT for all my patients above 50 yearly.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Your doctor may ask you to get these tests done several times a year if you have a high risk of diabetes. For those with a confirmed diabetes diagnosis, you may need to do an at-home blood glucose test more frequently.
Another important diabetes and prediabetes test is the HbA1c test, which measures the amount of haemoglobin in your blood that is attached to glucose. Since there has been an increase in diabetes cases in northern and western parts of India, this important test can help to detect and confirm diabetes.
Cancer treatment has come a long way and early screening is an important part of that. For men, it is recommended to take the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen test). This test helps to monitor for prostate cancer, depending on your level of PSA, you may be asked to get this test once every 2 – 4 years or less.
For women, there are several cancer screening tests. Mammography is a test to detect any abnormalities in the breasts, which could indicate breast cancer. A Pap smear test takes minute samples from the cervix for observation to detect cancerous or precancerous cells. It helps to preemptively detect cervical cancer. Another cancer test for women is the CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) test, which can be used as a screening for ovarian cancer. It should be noted that high levels of CA 125 do not always mean cancer is present.
One other common cancer screening test, regardless of gender, is the CA 19.9 test (Cancer Antigen 19.9). It is used to detect antigens from pancreatic cancer but it may also indicate cirrhosis or other non-cancer issues.
Also Read: Is Lemon Good for Hair? Exploring Research-Based Facts and Myths
Even if you do not show any serious symptoms, things can still be going wrong inside. The older we get, the more our body’s natural repair and metabolism rate decreases. Slower metabolism also means that as you age, it becomes easier to put on weight. As you can see, it becomes more important as you hit 50 to make preventive tests part of your healthcare routine. With the right tests at the right time, you can avoid serious (and expensive) long term medical issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
You must remember that oral health is part of your overall health and well-being. It greatly affects the quality of life, for example, certain oral disorders can indicate or lead to heart disorders, diseases of gums and teeth can make it difficult for a person to chew and eat well which can, in turn, lead to compromised nutrition. That is why it is vital to pay attention to your oral health.
Oral conditions that can develop in persons of any age group may affect children and continue throughout their lives if not treated. Early prevention can be reversed or arrested with proper oral hygiene and treatment. Recently, it has come to light that COVID-19 could be linked to failing oral health. Doctors and researchers have been studying the many effects of COVID-19 and there could be a connection between COVID-19 and oral health.
Oral health and COVID-19 are intricately linked and each influences the other-
It has been found that it is common for COVID-19 patients to experience a lost or altered sense of taste, weakened gums, dry mouth, tooth decay and mouth sores which lasts for long, even when other symptoms disappear.
Moreover, there remains an increased chance that bacteria from the mouth will travel to the lungs. This may increase the risk of developing a bacterial infection in addition to COVID-19.
Stress is another factor and it is bad for oral health. The mental struggle that you are enduring during the pandemic can make you ignore your oral health. As a result, cracked, chipped teeth and minor gum infections are becoming common and you must pay heed to it.
For this reason, oral health issues have risen to a great extent among people who are trying to manage other disorders because they are likely to put off routine dental checkups because they are too busy dealing with one illness and are scared of complicating matters by contracting COVID-19.
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a condition where your gums are inflamed, turn red, swollen and even cause bad breath and leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene leads to dental plaque. Having COVID-19 may cause weakness and make a person less likely to practice good oral hygiene and this increases the risk of gingivitis.
2. Dry mouth
Dry mouth is an early and most common symptom of COVID-19 infection. It increases the risk of tooth decay. It occurs when there is not enough saliva in your mouth to wash off the food particles and play its protective role. COVID-19 and dry mouth are related because it is assumed that the virus can also affect the salivary glands.
3. Oral ulcers
Like other viral infections, SARS-CoV-2 impairs your immune system and makes you more prone to other secondary conditions. Oral ulcers develop as a white patch on the tongue, gums or roof of the mouth, it is painful, causes discomfort while eating and drinking along with a burning sensation. Stress and gastric problems due to COVID infection can also be a reason for ulcers.
4. Cracked teeth
Dentists have noticed an increase in teeth grinding and chipped, cracked teeth since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of anxiety and poor posture from staying at home, these problems arise. Involuntary behaviours like clenching jaws and grinding teeth are common and have also occurred in people with severe COVID-19.
5. Black fungus and white fungus
Treatment of COVID infection may require some medicines which may suppress your immunity. Along with this, if a person does not follow good oral hygiene measures or has other comorbid conditions, he/she may be susceptible to opportunistic infections like black and white fungus. They affect many parts of your body including the oral cavity. Any unusual symptoms like pain, swelling, loosening of teeth, white or black coloured deposition on tongue or cheeks during or post COVID should be reported to the doctor without delay. If not treated promptly, the black fungus can have life-threatening consequences.
Untreated dental problems and poor dental hygiene can be potentially threatening. They may even lead to heart attack and pose a serious risk because of their association with COVID-19. It is advised to practice good oral health, proper diet and medication as part of both post COVID care as well as means to minimize your risk of contracting severe COVID-19.
While not everybody who gets COVID-19 will suffer from the same problems, following good oral care can save you from serious dental health issues. Management and prevention of oral problems during COVID-19:
During these times, make sure you follow good oral hygiene practices. It is very important to-
If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms-
Consult a dental surgeon immediately to prevent the worsening of the condition.
Also Read: What Causes Receding Gums: Insights and Preventive Measures from Experts
Many patients may be hesitant to visit a dentist during the pandemic. Communication and clarity are critical. Speak to your dentist about the safety protocols and clear your doubts regarding the safety of the procedure and associated risks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us all to embrace a virtual way of living. Teledentistry supports the delivery of oral health services through electronic media and connects dental surgeons to patients when stepping out is not an option. Initial consultations can be done through this mode and can help in minimising the number of visits to the clinic. It is necessary for urgent or emergency care.
Proper oral hygiene maintenance and healthy eating habits can go a long way to improve your dental health. Visit your dentist from time to time for routine checkups and quit tobacco and alcohol. This will not only keep your teeth and gums healthy but also keep you safe from severe symptoms of COVID-19.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Diabetes means your blood sugar levels have soared. It might result from your body becoming resistant to insulin that keeps blood sugar level in check or because your body doesn’t produce a sufficient amount of insulin.
Diabetes can have a severe impact on all parts of your body and your mouth is no exception. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can harm your oral cavity. The more your blood sugar level rises, the greater the damage will be.
There are many colonies of bacteria in your mouth. Some of them are essential to prevent tooth decay. But when they come in contact with sugars and starch, they react by producing a coating around your teeth. This is called plaque. Plaque contains acids that slowly erode your teeth (the enamel and the dentin). When you have diabetes, naturally more sugar and starch will be circulated to your mouth. And this means your teeth and gums will be even more vulnerable to decay.
Diabetes symptoms are many, but some are more debilitating than others are. One such severe symptom is a weak immune system. This is especially significant when it comes to dental health. If you are healthy, your body can fight off the harmful effects of plaque. But if you are a diabetic with a weak immune system, the plaque will become a solid hard mass called the dental calculus.
This hardened plaque affects the tooth base (gingival) – they get infected, swell up and may even bleed.
Periodontitis is the advanced form of gingivitis. It attacks the tissues and bones that grip your teeth, leading to the teeth coming loose and eventually falling off. This infection persists because your body can’t get rid of it due to a weakened immune system.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Dry Socket: Proven Methods and Remedies
It’s not just bacteria but yeast too that can sometimes dwell in your mouth. Candida Albicans, a type of yeast, causes an infection called thrush and diabetics are more prone to it than other people are.
Diabetes can dry up your mouth and cause a disorder called xerostomia. Your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to moisten the mouth. Less saliva makes it easier for the plaque to stick to your teeth and this can deteriorate your dental health further.
Also Read: What is Red Light Therapy? A Closer Look at its Research-Backed Applications
Even though diabetes increases the risk of teeth and gum diseases, there’s no need to lose hope. All you need to do is follow the diabetes precautions mentioned below to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Diabetes can trigger a host of gum and teeth problems. But if you follow the necessary precautions, your dental health will not be compromised.
Also Read About: Understanding the Relation Between Diabetes & Heart Disease
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
