Tooth decay is the most common global disease caused by acid demineralisation that exceeds remineralisation where food containing carbohydrate like sugar rich confection or chocolate is left trapped on teeth. Sugar rich chocolate like other carbohydrate foods, is often consumed regularly especially at Easter, Christmas, birthdays and thousands of other occasions causing a small episodes of acid demineralisation that eventually develop into cavities where demineralisation exceeds remineralisation. Most food is trapped between teeth, but over 80% of cavities occur inside pits and fissures on chewing surfaces of back teeth where brushing cannot reach and saliva has no access to dilute sugars, neutralise acid and remineralise demineralised teeth like on easy to reach surfaces.

The first bite or so of any food is trapped between teeth and inside pits and fissures and is hard to displace blocking access to the rest of the meal or snack for a time. Chewing sugar free food like chocolate or nuts before meals or snacks can reduce demineralisation from carbohydrate in that food and can even help remineralisation. Chewing fibre like celery after eating forces saliva inside trapped food to dilute carbohydrate like sugar, neutralise acid and remineralise demineralised tooth. Chewing gum is also helpful but cannot absorb and expel saliva like celery and needs chewing for longer. Chewing sugar free chocolate before meals or snacks has dental health benefits that can be applied to other sugarless foods and developed into a more effective convenient before eating tasty dental health snack that could even aid remineralisation after eating.

Our uniqueness will defer in all aspects. Our body chemistry also varies with each other. That is why, there are some things that we think we need but the truth is we don’t. One good example is men and women. Man has a constant teeth condition but depends on his lifestyle. However, a woman who becomes pregnant has an unpredicted oral health condition. We brush our teeth today but forget on the next day. That is a bad habit. Brushing is the most basic and important process we do every day. We should do it after meals. This is the first point to regulate the growth of bacteria.

Aside from helping in developing children’s teeth this is also able in intensification adult’s teeth. Fluoride prevents protection from tooth decay. Removing particles in between teeth is another way to control bacteria development. As a result it will give you fresh breath and strong gums and teeth. Eating healthy food reach in nutrients that improves the teeth condition. This also includes in the prevention of eating too many sweets. Bacteria develop fast when sugar is present. That is why after eating sweets, we get bad breath.

Tartar causes teeth discoloration and decay. It is unlikely to smile or talk to people with such a condition. It is advised to stop smoking because it has a high rate of tartar. Do not do anything with your mouth who may harm yourself. Rather, check if everything is in a good state. Check everything if you have decayed tooth, canker sores, inflamed gums, and discolored tooth. This will help you know what to do in cases something goes wrong.

It doesn’t matter if you have Type I or Type II diabetes. You have to manage your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels increases your
chances of having the following dental problems.

Tooth Decay or Cavities

Bacteria naturally lives in your mouth. Plaque forms because of the interaction between these bacteria and sugar from food and drinks. Plaque contains acid that attacks the enamel in the teeth eventually leading to cavities. If you have a lot of blood sugar, the bacteria in your mouth will have more to feed on and the chances of cavity forming plaque increases.

Gingivitis

Diabetes weakens the body’s ability to fight against bacteria. This leads to more plaque build up. Tartar forms when plaque is not removed with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar is a hard substance that forms in the gumline. It irritates the gums and causes it to bleed easily. This is called gingivitis. In short, diabetes makes you more susceptible to gingivitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a disease leading from gingivitis. This disease destroys the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. With the body’s ability to fight bacteria weakened, people with diabetes tend to have more severe cases of periodontitis. On the flip side, periodontitis can also worsen diabetes because it increases the level of blood sugar.

What You Can Do

Take it seriously! You have to be disciplined enough to watch your blood sugar levels and do what the doctor tells you to make sure you stay within your target range.

Brush your teeth regularly. Twice a day is the absolute minimum for brushing your teeth. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal. The toothbrush you use should be the soft-bristled ones while the toothpaste should have fluoride. Don’t brush too hard so you don’t irritate your gums.

Use an electric toothbrush if necessary.

Use dental floss at least once a day to remove plaque from your gumline and betwen your teeth.

At least twice a year, visit your dentist for professional cleaning. Remember to eat before each cleaning so you don’t suffer from too low blood sugar.

Kick the habit. Smoking can worsen your diabetes and dental problems. Quitting can help you manage diabetes and have a healthier mouth.