Dental Care for children with Diabetes
Do you know what is the prevalence of people suffering from diabetes in the UAE?
The international diabetes federation dedicated this year for families and saving families from becoming another statistic. Awareness about signs, symptoms and prevention in families.
Diabetes can affect the function of the whole body including the mouth.
Let’s talk about how to help our children smile despite the Diabetes.
Oral health is super important; with diabetes it should be even more important because of the effects that Diabetes have on the mouth and tongue structures, namely:
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Dry mouth:
Children with untreated diabetes, may have a dry mouth. Why? Dry mouth and diabetes may go hand in hand due to the effect of the pill your child takes, and of course because of high blood sugar. Saliva is a natural anti cavity protector to the mouth! When it is missing, the mouth becomes susceptible to oral bacterial infection, bad mouth breath and also decay!
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Gum disease:
The compounded effect of a dry mouth! active mouth bacteria, impaired immune system, high blood glucose levels leads to a high rate of gum disease amongst diabetics. The body is all connected. The overall reduced rate of resistance to infection makes gum disease the most prevalent. It is always the case that if the child has bleeding gums, then his blood glucose level need to be checked as well together with the brushing habits.
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Thrush or candida:
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing this white or reddish coat on the tongue. This can happen as a result of: either the child is prone to infection, therefore is taking recurrent antibiotics or simply because blood glucose is too high again making a child prone to bacteria and infection. Candida in the mouth causes halitosis (bad breath), may cause soreness, and it leaves a whitish coat on that is easily detected by you. A specialist dentist will be able to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment for such condition.
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Slow healing:
The healing with diabetes can be compromised as well, therefore wounds generally may take a longer time for them to heal.
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Dental Decay:
As a consequence of dry mouth, poor gum health, poor oral hygiene, and uncontrolled diabetes; children with diabetes can be prone to tooth decay too, if we don’t instill all the preventative action in place!
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Now we know what can happen, lets do our best to never allow it to happen!
How can your kid’s dentist help your child beat Diabetes?
- Water: Ask your child to drink plenty of water to stimulate that salivary flow.
- Sugar: Limit your child’s sugar intake as per the WHO daily sugar intake recommendation- 25g of Sugar! I know its not much but it really goes a long way to help the child’s entire body and of course teeth!
- Xylitol as Sugar: Xylitol is an alternative sugar; however it does have antibacterial properties. I would recommend sugar free sweets as alternative! Finding those yummy lollipops made with xylitol; or bake with erythritol or even stevia is another way to decrease that sugar intake but still give the child something yummy to enjoy.
- Brush: Brush your child’s teeth twice daily
- Paste: Use the appropriate fluoridated tooth paste. Ask your pediatric dentist about the best paste for your child’s age and mouth health.
- The floss: Come on don’t be shy to ask your child to floss regularly. Your children’s dentist will be showing you ways to floss whether manually or electronically.
- Dentist: Visit your dentist regularly every 3-6 months for an exam and cleaning. Usually your child’s dentist will also take the time to educate the child about the negative consequences of diabetes on the teeth, effective brushing and will motivate your child towards oral health.
- Doctor: Do your best to keep the blood glucose levels in check, as this is the best preventative action one can take not to have any consequences from diabetes at all.
Are you going to book an appointment with your pediatric dentist in Dubai?
- Make sure to book a morning appointment when your child is at ease and happy.
- Make sure your child has eaten his meal and taken his medication before a visit to the dentist.
- Help your child be relaxed and at ease as much as possible.
- Ask for the use of the laughing gas to keep your child happy during the appointment.
We would love to help you and your child overcome any of the challenges that Diabetes may throw your way.
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Our dentist in Dubai provides a fun, friendly treatment that makes going to the dentist fun for your kid with diabetes. If your child is experiencing any of the oral symptoms we have reviewed, please call our office as soon as possible.
We will gladly speak with you about your concerns and schedule an appointment for your lovely child.
