Dental Emergency Kit

How many times have you been in a situation where you are unsure if your breath is fresh enough? Probably several times a month. What about worrying about that little piece of kale that has been stuck in your teeth since lunch? A few times a week for me. Most people agree that the first thing they notice about their person is their smile. Of course this includes teeth. And even more emphasis is put on teeth as beauty standards have started to change. More and more adults are getting dental work done for the aesthetic of more beautiful teeth. So, let’s not waste all that money we put into straightening our teeth or getting them whitened. If you are concerned about this then you should really consider a dental emergency back in your purse, pocket, or satchel.

Dental emergency kits can be created for a relatively small expense. All you need to find is a small bag to keep it all in. You could make it themed and get a really cool little pouch, or a black or white zip-up bag will suffice. Just make sure you keep it updated if you run out of things because nothing would be worse than reaching for your dental emergency kit and something you want to be out.

First, and most obvious, you should grab a toothbrush and toothpaste. You could even get a small, travel toothbrush that folds into itself for more room. You could go with a small tube of toothpaste or even consider buying a little jar and chewable toothpaste tablets. These tablets will ensure no toothpaste spillage all over the pouch. In most cases, a good old brushing will cure any dental flaws.

Next you should definitely consider floss. Maybe a traditional roll of floss, or even try little floss picks. They even have the added bonus of a toothpick on the opposite side. You can really get in and dig out that piece of spinach or kale. You could start making it a habit to floss after every meal. Your teeth, your dentist, and you will all be happy about this.

Lastly, you should keep gum or mints in your pouch. Not only could you have this little treat for you, but if you ever find yourself in close quarters with another person that could benefit from a little dental emergency kit then you could offer some of your gum! Great for them and for you.

Gum disease and diabetes

 While most people aren’t aware of this, gum disease can have a connection to diabetes. Most Americans have blood sugar levels that make them prediabetic, which means that it’s higher than it normally should be, but that’s not enough to be considered diabetic. Because of the prevalence of all of this, you need to know how it can impact your body, and also some of the side effects that come with this too. 

What is Diabetes? 

Diabetes for the most part is a condition that can cause various issues including blindness, skin problems, heart disease, damage to the nerves, kidney issues, and even gum disease. This is because of the body’s inability for it to process and produce insulin properly, and then, your blood sugar is less able to be controlled. Some of this is preventable though, so you need to make lifestyle choices that decrease the risk. 

There are a lot of ways to prevent it, and even oral health is a big part of it. It’s actually bene found that gum disease is a risk factor, so it’s important that if you do have prediabetes or diabetes, you can of course, mitigate this by preventing it from happening. 

How gum disease relates to Diabetes 

It’s actually been something that’s definitely a two-way street. If your gums bleed a lot, are red, or they start to recede, those are all signs of gum disease. According to the ADA, those with diabetes will get gum disease because they’re more susceptible to problems including infection because their body is not able to fight off the gums. At this same instance, gum disease does make t hard for a diabetic to control he blood sugar levels, which cause progression of the disease. 

So what can you do? Well, if you’re a diabetic or if you want to prevent this from being an issue, you’ll first want to make sure that your blood sugar levels are controlled. Fi the blood sugar isn’t properly regulated, you’ll want to postpone some of the dental procedures that you have which aren’t an emergency. This is because people that are diagnosed with that can possibly have severe complications if they do go under and don’t have this controlled. 

On the flip side, if you’re someone who is prediabetic, it’s important that you make sure you take care of your teeth and pay mind to this. You should make sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, and then floss about once each day. Even though you’ve got these habits though, you should never forgo cleanings that re done professionally by a dentist. This is because they will help to tackle problems, and you can get these done more frequently if you are a prediabetic or diabetic, as they can make sure that gum disease doesn’t become a problem. If you are suffering from gum disease, talking to a dentist and getting cleanings or deep cleaning a lot will help to reduce the problems as well. 

If you do notice any signs that possibly might show gum disease, such as swollen, red gums that are bleeding or tender, then you should tell them immediately. Fungal infections, dry mouth, and the like are also very common too, so be mindful of that as well when you’re going to the dentist. Prevention is the best way to treat this, and if you’re struggling with what to do with all of this, then you should definitely try to make sure that you take care of it now, and make sure that everything’s put in place effectively.