As a parent, you’re already accustomed to caring for and keeping your child safe from outside elements. It’s this protective nature that leads parents to feel responsible for their children’s health. When your child is fighting a disease, the fight becomes yours, too. If your child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the fact is understandably hard-hitting. Strengthen yourself, though. With the right information and options, even diabetes can be tackled.
In what ways does Type 1 Diabetes affect my child’s oral health?
Diabetes adversely affects the body’s ability to fight against disease, and the high blood-sugar levels associated with diabetes will aggravate the situation. Gingivitis, ulcers, cavities, burning mouth syndrome, as well as fungal infections such as thrush and oral candidiasis result from the onslaught of bacterial infections.
Puberty brings on these infections more severely, thus proving to be a time when you should help care for your child’s oral health even more.
I don’t want my child’s oral health to suffer. What do I do next?
The first step is to inform your dentist about your child’s diabetes. Your dentist will now play an important role in helping you fight the problems associated with diabetes. As a professional, he knows what works best. Having your dentist on your side is half the battle won!
Keeping your child’s blood-glucose levels under control is a great way to keep the effects of diabetes at bay.
Teach your child every good oral health habit there is. Helping your child to floss daily, brush regularly and rinse the mouth diligently is part of the process.
Maintaining your child’s oral hygiene, monitoring blood-glucose levels and visiting your dentist regularly will ensure that diabetes doesn’t harm your child’s bright smile. So arm yourself with this information, make your dentist your trusted partner and take the fight to the disease.