Dental Health & Diabetes Dental Health Is Important for - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Dental Health & Diabetes Dental Health Is Important for Everyone!

Why is Dental Health so Important?  A healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body  People with diabetes have a higher risk for mouth infections  Mouth infections can affect your quality of life (pain, ability to chew, appearance)  Mouth infections can increase blood sugars

How can diabetes affect your mouth? • More sugar in the saliva • A decrease in saliva – dry mouth • Ulcers • Fungal Infections • Tooth decay • Gum disease • Irritation from dentures due to a dry mouth or sores

Common Mouth Problems Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums

Common Mouth Problems Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Infection of the tissues that support the teeth

Common Mouth Problems  Tooth decay (cavities)

Common Mouth Problems  Candidiasis (Thrush or fungal infection)

Common Mouth Problems - Ulcers

Common Mouth Problems  Makes eating solid Loss of Teeth food difficult  Can affect speech  Can affect quality of life

Common Mouth Problems  A dry mouth can make Denture Irritation dentures irritating to wear  Sores on gums can develop  Make chewing and speech uncomfortable

The Good News! People with diabetes who keep their blood glucose levels in a target range have no more dental problems than the rest of the population. Canadian Diabetes Association - Dr. Carol Alexopoulos

Canadian Dental Association Recommendations 5 St 5 Step eps fo s for a H r a Heal ealth thy y Mo Mout uth h 1. Keep your Mouth Clean 2. Check your mouth regularly 3. Eat well 4. See your dentist regularly 5. Avoid all tobacco products

The most important part of dental care is to brush and floss!  Food between teeth becomes acidic & plaque builds up damaging teeth and gums  Food does not have to be sugary or sweet to cause a cavity  Gum disease can be serious before you feel pain or have bleeding when brushing

Step 1 – Keep Your Mouth Clean Brushing  Use a soft toothbrush  Don’t rush, take 2 minutes to brush  Brush at least twice a day

Step 1 – Keep Your Mouth Clean

Step 1 – Keep Your Mouth Clean Flossing If you don’t floss, you miss 1/3 of your tooth surface! ) 16

Step 2 - Check Your Mouth Regularly Look for signs of gum disease:  Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums  Bleeding when you brush or floss  Bad breath that won’t go away or a bad taste  Gums have pulled away from teeth  Permanent teeth that are loose  Any change in the fit of dentures

Step 3- Eat Well  Good nutrition helps build strong teeth & gums  Mouth healthy snacks like cheese, nuts, vegetables, and non – acidic fruits  Limit drinks with sugar or carbohydrate

Step 4 - See a Dentist Regularly  48% of Canadians who haven’t seen a dentist in the last year have gum disease  Check ups are the best prevention  Tell the dentist you have diabetes

Step 5 – Don’t smoke or chew tobacco Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause:  Oral cancer  Gum disease

What if you have NO dental coverage? Pick up a list at the reception desk of dental services available at a reduced cost or free. Mobile Dental Clinic & City of Toronto Dental Clinics  Children & youth under 17  Adults enrolled in selected Toronto Public Health Programs  Seniors ( 65 years and older) Call 416-338-7600 to see if you are eligible