… Dentiatry? Podistry?
Whatever you want to couple name it, we’re keen to share some practical tips to help make life a little more manageable for people with chronic diseases.

Diabetes – the basics.

People with Diabetes have an issue with insulin and their bodies cannot process the food they eat properly. Without getting too science-y, the biggest issue for sufferers is to balance their diet, exercise, stress and illness with the right medication for them. What’s harder, is that for each person this balance can be different, and it’s imperative to control blood sugar levels to reduce the chance of complications.

Diabetes complications affects many systems and areas of the body – your eyes, heart and kidneys – but also your feet and teeth.

Teeth Tips

Diabetes has an impact on more than just your blood sugar levels. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels make it more likely that you will develop tooth decay and gum disease which can result in tooth loss. Gums disease and diabetes is a two-way Street meaning poorly controlled gum disease can negatively affect your diabetes and vice-versa. You can read more about that here but here are some day to day tips:

  • – Follow your doctor’s recommendations about diet and medication to keep your blood glucose levels as controlled as possible
  • – Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
  • – Clean between your teeth daily with an interdental brush and/or floss
  • – Have regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning to maintain the health of your teeth and gums
  • – If you notice any changes in your mouth, get it checked. Diabetes can increase your chance of oral infections
  • – Make sure you drink plenty of water and let us know if your mouth feels dry or has a burning sensation – A dry mouth can increase your chance of getting tooth decay
  • – Stop smoking and speak to your dentist, GP and Quitline if you need additional support

At Vivid Dental, our dentists and oral health therapists will provide advice, early intervention, regular preventive maintenance and a tailor-made oral health care routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Foot Tips

Diabetes can reduce blood flow, alter feeling, stiffen joints and create skin problems. You can read more about that here but here are some day to day tips:

  • – Check your feet daily and if you find blisters, scratches clean and dress them
  • – Cut toenails straight across, cutting down the sides can cause ingrown toenails
  • – If you find corns and callouses, make an appointment with us to fix it properly for you, corns and callous can turn into wounds if not addressed – Please don’t treat them at home with sharp instruments and avoid using commercial corn plasters, they contain acid and can burn you creating a bigger problem
  • – Use a moisturising cream daily on your feet (sorbelene or vitamin E cream) to avoid the skin cracking and bleeding, opening you up to an infection
  • – Avoid talcum powder to absorb sweat, it clumps up making a perfect breeding ground for tinea, try methylated spirits instead
  • – Never walk barefoot outside
  • – Have shoes fitted properly in the afternoon when your feet are the biggest
  • – Wear socks or stockings to prevent rubbing – Try to get natural fibres such as wool and cotton, they will breathe Avoid extreme temperatures, (hot baths, heaters or fires) you may not realise that you are being burnt; or may not feel how cold your feet are

We are very pleased to be able to present you with a special offer from our local community health partner Footology: