Ortho and Dental Care for Those with Diabetes
Almost 28 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes. There are another 7 million who are undiagnosed and 82 million who doctors consider to be prediabetes. Diabetes is fast becoming one of the most serious health problems to face 21st century Americans. Each year over 1 million new cases are diagnosed in those who are 20 years old or older.
Most experts blame the American diet, which consists of hamburgers, fried chicken, pizza, French fries, and carbonated drinks. 60 years ago, people ate many more fruits and vegetables and drank wholesome drinks. Foods were not over-processed or injected with growth hormones and antibiotics.
This diet takes a toll on our dental health as well. We miss out on many of the great benefits of eating fresh foods. For instance, carrots help keep our teeth and gums strong. Strawberries have a substance that whitens teeth. All crunchy vegetables help keep your teeth strong. Spinach has lots of calcium while broccoli has vitamin K. Most citrus fruits have high vitamin C content. Kale offers the highest absorbable amount of vitamin K.
Though taking vitamins and calcium each day is good for your health, your teeth and gums don’t get the full benefit of chewing those crunchy naturally sweet fruits and vegetables. For those with diabetes, this is especially important. Usually, when doctors examine the eating habits of those with diabetes, they find that the diet consists of too many high fat, high sodium, high sugar foods. Just as these foods cause physical health issues, they also cause dental problems.
Most orthodontists and dentists recommend that those with diabetes pay close attention to cavities and have those taken care of right away. When we eat too much sugar, we’re more prone to infections and this goes for oral health. A tooth may get abscessed more easily. Get regular cleanings. Be sure to let your dentist or orthodontist know that you have diabetes. All your doctors should have a list of the medications you take.
Many doctors have found that patients who participate in their own wellness by learning everything possible about their condition often do better. Also, those who are willing to make healthy lifestyle choices can often live a fairly normal, happy life. However, the diagnosis of diabetes means that you will have to make changes in your everyday life.
Your doctor can teach you how to stay on top of important medical information such as blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This is especially important for newly diagnosed patients and children. Make dental health a priority as well. As your work together with your dentist, orthodontist and doctor, you can achieve better health and live a long, happy life.