Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and free from plaque. The primary purpose is to prevent dental problems and prevent bad breath. Teeth’s cleaning is integral to oral hygiene for removal of plaque and tartar, which, if not removed, eat into the tooth’s enamel to form cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. Gum disease can progress very rapidly and eventually end up in tooth loss besides causing a host of other health problems. Oral hygiene is all the more important in case you have diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder marked by abnormal glucose (sugar) levels. High blood sugar level can negatively affect your entire body and your teeth and gums are no exception. It is imperative that you take preventive measures and pay attention to oral hygiene.

Regardless of whether you have diabetes type 1 or 2 a complete dental hygiene review is of utmost importance since you need a dental hygiene program that addresses diabetes as well as dental health. Higher blood sugar level means higher risk. Many types of bacteria are naturally there in your mouth. These bacteria interact with sugars and starches that you ingest a thin acidic layer forms over tooth enamel. The acid in the plaque attacks the outer hard surface of your teeth and forms cavities.

High blood sugar levels mean greater supply of sugars and more acid. If plaque is not removed on regular basis it hardens under the gum line into calculus (tartar), which is more difficult to remove than plaque. If tartar remains longer on the teeth they irritate the gingival tissue around the base of teeth. The gums get inflamed and may start bleeding. Diabetes normally slows down the body’ healing process and as a diabetic you should not take the risk of ignoring oral hygiene. Use only those dental hygiene products that are suit your condition.

Left untreated gingivitis can progress into a more serious gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious infection that destroys soft tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Since diabetes reduces the ability to resist infection and the healing process, it tends to be more serious in diabetics. Periodontitis works the other way round also: the infection may increase blood sugar levels making it more difficult to manage. If you are diabetic, you should try to learn more about dental hygiene so as to avoid adding to your problems.

As a diabetic you already know how to manage blood sugar levels. Take extra care and be sure that you know all about the increased risk of dental problems. Brush your teeth twice daily. Floss your teeth daily before going to bed and schedule regular teeth cleaning. If you are having dental surgery, a filling or a root canal, make sure that you discuss your diabetes with your dentist. However, if you pay proper attention to dental hygiene you may never feel the need to go a dentist.