Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

People with diabetes have a greater risk of oral infections.

Here is another reason for you to control your blood glucose level -  you run the risk of developing oral complications.

People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to oral disorders such as

• Dry mouth( xerostomia )
• Taste impairment,
• Painless swelling of the parotid salivary glands on both sides of the face (sialosis)
• Yeast or fungal infection (oral candidosis)  and 
• Inflammation of mucous membranes inside the mouth (oral lichen planus)  

They are more likely to develop periodontal disease or gum disease. Gum disease becomes more severe with long periods of uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

 In general, gum disease may increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Inflammation that starts in the mouth weakens the body’s ability to control blood sugar, while high blood sugar provides ideal conditions for infection to flourish.

People with diabetes produce less saliva.  Saliva is very important for oral health. Saliva removes food particles and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. It also helps to prevent the growth of microbes that cause disease.  It prevents the build-up of plaque. Plaque increases the risk of periodontal disease and dental caries in people with diabetes. Saliva flow can be increased by chewing non- sugar gum. Another way of keeping the mouth moist is by sipping water regularly.

Good oral health depends on one’s personal hygiene habits and on regular visits to the dentist.

Early detection and treatment of dental caries, periodontal disease and other diseases will protect from harmful oral complications associated with diabetes.

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Rinse your mouth after each meal.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit snacking between meals.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
• Go for regular dental check- ups.

Switch to Whole Grain

The basics of a healthy diet include eating less saturated fat, salt, and sugar and at least 5 portions of fruit and veggie a day. 

Grains are an important part of a healthy diet. Whole grains are a good and economical source of carbs and protein, fibre and many micro nutrients. They also have less fat.



What are whole grains? Seeds of cereal plants such as wheat, maize, corn, rye, barley, oats, rice, quinoa etc.

Grains are refined to make them taste better, for a finer texture and to increase shelf life. But in the process they lose many nutrients. Make at least half the grains in your diet whole grains.

Whole grains are good not only for people with diabetes but for the whole family. For people with diabetes, they help to manage blood glucose levels better.

However, if all the grains you eat are whole grains, make sure you include fruits, legumes and vegetables to top up folic acid, a B- vitamin.

Ways to eat more whole grains

• Have a whole grain cereal for breakfast.    

• Use whole grain bread instead of white bread. 

• Use brown rice instead of polished rice.  
• Use whole meal flour for baking. Start with a mix of refined and whole meal flours and slowly experiment with the second one till you are satisfied with the end product.

• Use bulgar wheat in place of couscous as it is rich in proteins and minerals, high in fibre and tastes nutty and delicious.  

• Add barley to soups and stews.
• Use unsalted, sugar- free popcorn. It’s a whole grain! 
• For crumble toppings on pies, mix porridge oats with the flour.  

• Use oats or crushed whole wheat bran instead of dry breadcrumbs for cutlets or rolls.