How to Maintain Proper Oral Health when You Have Diabetes
Everyone should brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, according to the American Dental Association. However, there are certain techniques and tools that can make brushing easier, more comfortable, and more effective. Here's a brief overview of the tools and tips you can use to ensure that you have excellent oral health:
Quadrants
It's important that you properly address each area of your mouth in order to ensure that your entire mouth stays healthy for years to come. Therefore, it often helps if you think of your mouth in quadrants. Divide your bottom row of teeth in half and your top row of teeth in half in order to have four equal quadrants. Spend the same amount of time on each of those quadrants, addressing the front, back, and top of each of your teeth equally.
Floss
Many people avoid flossing for a variety of reasons. For some people, flossing is hard because it requires them to be able to control a small piece of string. For other people, flossing is painful and can cause bleeding. And, let's face it: some people just put it off because it takes time and energy to floss properly. However, flossing can help to maintain gum health and remove plaque that can cause decay. One convenient tool that may help you floss better is a floss pick, which is a plastic pick that has floss already threaded through two ends of the pick. Using this pick similarly to the way you'd use a tooth pick, you can easily reach each tooth without a great degree of effort.
Go electric
Many people find that using an electric toothbrush is not only easier, but it also ensures that they brush their entire mouths thoroughly. An electric toothbrush is just as effective, if not more effective, than brushing manually for the same amount of time. Plus, many electric toothbrushes have automatic timers that will notify you when you have brushed for 30 seconds, which can help to ensure that you give an equal amount of attention to all parts of your mouth. Electric toothbrushes, such as this one by Interplak, are also helpful for Diabetics that may have limited mobility that causes them to have discomfort or other problems with brushing with a manual toothbrush.
It's important to develop a regular habit of brushing and tending to overall oral health in order to ensure that you have a healthy smile for years to come.
Resources:
http://shop.imtypefree.com/Interplak-Rechargeable-Plaque-Remover-p/cnrdp18.htm
Published by Shaw Belt
Since 2004, Shaw Belt has been a freelance writer based in Richmond, Virginia. She specializes in feature article writing, search engine optimized Web content, and business writing. View profile
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