It’s National Diabetes Month. On November 23rd, the Yakima Herald-Republic featured an op-ed by Diane Patterson on the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes. Check it out: http://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/latestoped/2666463-8/diabetes-and-dental-issues-tied-together
Did you know that gum disease can make it harder to manage diabetes?
If you have diabetes you are twice as likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease makes it more difficult to control blood sugar.
Keep your mouth clean and healthy:
- Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Use a mouth rinse with fluoride
- Drink fluoridated water instead of sugary drinks
Eat a well-balanced diet:
- Choose healthy snacks, like low-fat cheese, fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts
Get regular dental checkups as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes can lead to other problems in your mouth:
Some diabetes medications can cause dry mouth, a condition that can make it hard to eat, taste, swallow, or even talk. Dry mouth can quickly lead to tooth decay, especially at the gum line. Be sure to tell your dentist or physician if you have dry mouth.
Oral Health Watch
6 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay is largely preventable? Proven-effective strategies like access to regular dental visits, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and community water fluoridation can help kids and adults avoid the physical discomfort and burdensome cost of cavities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
11 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay is largely preventable? Proven-effective strategies like access to regular dental visits, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and community water fluoridation can help kids and adults avoid the physical discomfort and burdensome cost of cavities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
12 hours ago
Thank you, Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington, Seattle Children's, and caring volunteer providers for making the SmileMobile possible. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
12 hours ago
💯 Arcora Foundation. Oral health care needs don't go away just because coverage does. The estimated 250,000 Washingtonians in need of dental care to either pay out of pocket, delay preventive care and/or forego necessary dental treatment, leading to:
🤒 Needless pain and suffering
... 💵 Burdening patients with costly care
🏥 Straining hospital emergency departments and our health care system
💪 Compromising individual and community health
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Is it important for both parents and kids to have access to preventive oral health care? 💯 Parents who model good oral health habits make it more likely for children to adopt these practices from a young age. This proactive approach can help prevent future dental problems, missed school days due... to pain, and potential long-term health issues. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Is it important for both parents and kids to have access to preventive oral health care? 💯 Parents who model good oral health habits make it more likely for children to adopt these practices from a young age. This proactive approach can help prevent future dental problems, missed school days due... to pain, and potential long-term health issues. #teethmatter