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Diabetes: Gum Mouth And Teeth Problems To Watch

Diabetes: Gum Mouth And Teeth Problems To Watch

Did you know that having diabetes increases your risk of gum, mouth and teeth problems? Gum disease, the most common oral health problem associated with diabetes, can also make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, here are some important tips to keep your teeth and gums in tip top shape. Gum disease Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the most common gum, mouth and teeth problem faced by diabetics. If left untreated it can lead to tooth loss, and the resulting inflammation can also make it harder to manage your blood sugar levels. Diabetes increases your risk of gum disease in two different ways. When blood sugar levels are not well controlled, this also increases sugar levels in the fluids in your mouth, which feeds bacteria associated with gum disease. Diabetes can cause thickening of blood vessels that carry essential nutrients including oxygen and remove waste products from parts of your body. When the blood vessels of your gums, mouth and teeth are affected in this way, it increases your risk of gum disease by weakening the immune system in your mouth and increasing the risk of infection in your gums. Warning signs of gum disease If you notice any of the following symptoms it’s important that you follow up with a visit to a good dentist who understands how diabetes can affect your gum health. Don’t ignore these symptoms of gum disease: Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. This is called gingivitis and is the first stage of gum disease. Receding gums. Bad breath. Gums that are sore, tender or swollen. Your teeth feel loose, or the way they fit together when you bite has changed. Your dentures, partial dentures or bridges have changed the way they feel or fit. How to prevent gum, mouth and teeth problems if you have diabetes Don’t ignore the symptoms of gum disease. With a bit of help from your dentist you can successfully treat and prevent gum or periodontal disease. See your dentist twice a year to remove plaque and tartar. Tartar is plaque that has hardened and cannot be brushed off with a toothbrush. It needs dental treatment to be removed. Brush your teeth twice daily. Floss regularly. Control your blood sugar levels with a healthy diet and medication if needed – speak to your doctor about how to do this. If you’re struggling with controlling your blood sugar levels with your diet, ask for a referral to a dietician or nutritionist. Dental treatments for diabetics Don’t forget to tell your dentist if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. They can put an action plan in place to help you avoid or...

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Is Invisalign Teeth Straightening The Answer To Your Dream Smile?

Is Invisalign Teeth Straightening The Answer To Your Dream Smile?

Got Crooked Teeth? Adult Teeth Straightening Options: Invisalign Vs Braces Everyone notices a fabulous smile. Straight, white teeth look great and boost confidence. But the decision to straighten your teeth in adulthood is a big one. If you’ve been unhappy with your smile for some time, it can be life-changing to finally take the leap. But with advancements in teeth straightening solutions, you might feel confused about which treatment is the right one for you. Read on to discover some of the differences between traditional braces and Invisalign teeth straightening. Aesthetics Deciding to straighten your teeth in adulthood is exciting, but you may be concerned about how your teeth will look during the treatment. Braces: metal or ceramic brackets are cemented to your teeth and tied together with wires and rubber bands. Even with enamel-coloured brackets, braces applied to the front of the teeth are always visible. Invisalign: clear plastic aligners are custom-fit to be worn comfortably over your teeth. These are virtually invisible and are removable. Treatment time and cost This really depends on the complexity of each individual case but, on average, treatment with traditional braces takes two years. The average treatment time for Invisalign teeth straightening is one year. The costs for each treatment are comparable. Your trusted Brisbane dentist can discuss costs and any other questions you may have. Pain and discomfort Straightening your teeth does cause some discomfort; you are effectively moving the teeth which will always involve a sensation of pressure. Braces: you can expect some pain each time your braces are adjusted. There is also the risk of mouth ulcers and irritation caused by the metal brackets and wires. Invisalign: In the early stages of treatment, you may find that the aligners cause some pressure and discomfort as the teeth begin to move. Day to day maintenance Wearing any teeth straightening appliance requires some daily considerations. Braces: You might consider avoiding certain foods (like hard apples) whilst wearing braces. Teeth can be difficult to clean after eating and a water pick is often recommended. Invisalign: Your aligner must be removed before eating and drinking (excluding water) and teeth must be brushed after each meal to avoid staining. The aligner trays should be brushed and rinsed in lukewarm water. Follow-up visits Traditional braces require monthly visits to the orthodontist. Invisalign teeth straightening requires check-ups every six weeks. Once again, every mouth is unique, so your dentist can advise of the specific time frames required to straighten your smile. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve been dreaming of. To find out if Invisalign teeth straightening is the right choice for you, book an appointment with Robert Duhig Dental today on (07)...

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