All of us, but especially people seeking to normalize their blood sugar, should look after our teeth. One might not think oral bacteria and blood sugar are connected but inflammation can make to the body less sensitive to insulin. Therefore, brushing and flossing are a must for people with blood sugar issues. But there are other things you can do to help your teeth and blood sugar simultaneously. To be balanced, people should practice good dental health and aim to keep their blood sugar around 80.
We know the basics: brushing, flossing, rinsing. We know to cut down on sugar and acidic food. We know about the importance of drinking water and avoiding tobacco. Today, we’re focusing on two things you can do to help your teeth that you might not think about.
All the commercials on TV will tell us that chewing sugar-free gum helps clean our teeth after a meal when we can’t get to a toothbrush. What they don’t tell you is that the best sweetener for the gum when it comes to your teeth and blood sugar is Xylitol. Xylitol can help kill the bacteria in your mouth by making it starve.
When was the last time you went to the dentist? Many of us put off our twice-yearly appointments. Many of us think, “I’ll go if something hurts.” We all know how to brush and floss, do we really have to go? The truth is, the best thing you can do to help your teeth and blood sugar is to speak to your doctor. Your dentist knows your medical history and can tell you what practices would work best for you.
Self.com asked dentists to honestly answer the question as to whether or not we genuinely have to go twice a year. They answered that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. By protecting your teeth you can protect your blood health. And good oral health impacts so many other aspects of your body.
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