Diabetes & The Foot

People with Diabetes are at high risk from various health problems such as:
Heart Disease
Strokes
Eye Disease – Possible Blindness
Nerve Damage – Neuropathy
Amputation of foot or leg
Kidney Problems
Gum Disease
Loss of teeth
Another health problem associated with diabetes involves the feet, as Diabetes is one of the major causes for lower limb amputation in the year 2004.
Amputation is obviously the last resort concerning problems of the feet, but it is surprising how a small cut or abrasion can lead to such dramatic results in diabetic patients.
Why is the Foot at Risk?
Persistent high blood glucose levels can eventually damage the body’s nerves, causing a loss of sensation (neuropathy). Nerve damage can also cause pain in the legs, arms and hands creating problems in people’s everyday lives. Your GP or Podiatrist should check your feet on a yearly basis, which should include a sensory exam to check for loss of feeling.
Small cuts or abrasions on the neuropathic foot can go unnoticed if daily foot checks are not performed. The cut can easily become infected, which in turn leads to an infected ulceration and could eventually result in the loss of the lower limb. Therefore the importance of daily foot checks, foot care & Diabetes in general cannot be underestimated.
High Risk Factors Leading to Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A small percentage of diabetic patients develop foot ulcerations, some of which may lead on to amputation. The foot is at a higher risk of ulceration if the individual suffers from conditions such as vascular disease or neuropathy. However there are many other factors that can increase risk of ulcers such as: –
Cold feet or absent foot pulses
History of Foot Problems
Foot Deformities
Limited mobility
Poor circulation
Inappropriate shoes
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
A painless abrasion or corn can steadily progress to a distressing foot ulcer, and if left untreated skin deterioration may occur.

Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

The food industry has come up with a solution for people on diets or with diabetes that
have a sweet tooth. They are known as artificial sweeteners and they are used in
everything from chewing gum, coffee sweeteners, and even baking. There is some
controversy over the use of them as some of them are totally synthetic and others are
derived from the actual sugar plant. But to a diabetic who doesn’t want to give up on
their favorite pop or chewing gum they can be a life-saver.

The four different kinds of artificial sweeteners are: saccharin, aspartame, sucralose,
acesulfame potassium. Each of these types can be found under various product names
and brands. Not all are made the same way and they have different uses. Some you can
buy in liquid or powdered form for baking needs and others like aspartame is only found
in foods that you purchase pre-made.

The use of these artificial sweeteners will not raise blood sugar and are safe for a
diabetic to use. Care and attention is still needed because the food items you put sugar in
or on most likely will have an affect on your blood sugar. Still follow your diabetic diet
but use some artificial sweeteners to make it a little sweeter.

Some diabetics may want to use honey as a substitute for sugar. You certainly can make
this substitution, however, honey is very similar to sugar in carbohydrate content and the
effects it will have on your blood glucose level. It is best to enjoy honey in small
moderations if at all.

Aspartame has been linked in some medical studies with Alzheimer’s disease. Speak to
your doctor about the benefits and risks of using any of the artificial sweeteners if you
have any concerns about the potential health risks.

Apply These Tips To Your Teeth Whitening Techniques

Do you wish that you had a whiter smile? Do you hide behind your lips to avoid having to show gray or yellow teeth? If you have always wanted to love your smile more, then keep reading this article for tips on how you can get the whiter smile you’ve always wanted.

When using whitening strips or gels, make sure to follow the directions carefully. Products that are left on too long or used more often than recommended can cause burning or irritation of the gums. Use the products exactly as stated in the directions to avoid short or long-term consequences.

Do not expect any kind of teeth whitening methods to work the first time, even bleaching them. Many people think that it only takes one time to get their teeth sparkly white and give up when the one time does not work. Usually, treatments require a follow-up every few months.

If you’re a pregnant or lactating mother, you should not undergo any teeth whitening procedure. It can have many negative effects on the baby. Before having your teeth whitened, you should consult with your dentist and let them know up front if you’re pregnant or lactating. They’ll be able to say for sure whether it’s a danger to the baby or not.

Drink less tea and coffee. Tea and coffee are both horrible for your teeth. They stain them, leaving them slightly brown or dull. Try to cut down on your tea and coffee consumption. If you do not want to cut back, rinse your mouth out thoroughly after you are done drinking.

A great tip that can help you whiten your teeth is to listen to your body. Ease off of whitening products if you start noticing that your gums are bleeding. Irritated gums and teeth are a common symptom of whitening products. Listen to your body and discontinue use if you notice these symptoms.

Make a strawberry paste for white teeth. You can do this by mashing the strawberries up and applying the paste to your teeth using a brush. Leave this paste on your teeth for no longer than 10 minutes. Because of the acid in strawberries, using it for too long can irritate your gums.

Whiter teeth can be yours if you avoid using any mouthwashes. Mouthwashes contain several ingredients, including alcohol and food coloring, that can stain your teeth brown. They can also dry your mouth, and a moist mouth does a better job of keeping plaque off of teeth. Try rinsing with plain water instead.

If you have gum disease, a gum infection or unfilled cavities, consult with your family doctor or dentist before using any teeth whitening products. Certain chemicals can make you gum or tooth problem worse. Have any tooth or gum problems fixed or treated before you use any tooth whitening chemicals or procedures.

Now that you have the information and the steps to getting a whiter smile, you’re only as far away from it as you make yourself. Get started today implementing these tips and you will have that white, confident, clean smile that makes others wonder just how you did it.

Brightening Your Smile Has Never Been Easier

Is there anything you could possibly want more than some of the best teeth-whitening tips around? Your smile is very important to you, and you want to do all you can to take care of it. Use the advice we have here in this article to look your best.

Eat strawberries for whiter teeth. There are many beliefs that strawberries help whiten teeth. The seeds on strawberries make them a mild abrasive that can help remove stains from your teeth and can make them appear whiter. If you are caught off guard and need white teeth quick, eat a strawberry.

Strawberries have excellent teeth whitening abilities. Just mash a few up and rub them on your teeth daily, just as you would a toothpaste. Leave the paste on for about five minutes, then rinse your mouth. The acidic properties of strawberries works to erase harmful plaque, bacteria, and yellow teeth.

To get a whiter smile, try gargling with apple cider vinegar. Try doing this every morning before you brush your teeth. The vinegar acts as a stain remover, but it also helps kill harmful bacteria and is a natural whitener. It can even get right in between gums and teeth to remove bacteria and stains.

If you want to whiten your teeth, use whitening strips. Whitening strips are very popular and are a simple and quick way to whiten your teeth. Simply stick the strips to your teeth. Let them stay there for several minutes, and then take them off. Repeat this for several days until you get the whitening you desire.

Mixing rock salt with water and gargling nightly can go a long way in your teeth whitening efforts. Not only that, but it’s a time-tested recipe for eliminating many dental problems that people have. This is a nightly ritual that must be done, and it is very effective for whitening your teeth.

Change your diet for whiter teeth. Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar. Replace them with lots of raw fruits and vegetables that help clean your teeth while you eat them and promote healthy salivation during chewing. Not only will this help whiten you teeth, it will also keep them strong and healthy.

If you have gum disease, a gum infection or unfilled cavities, consult with your family doctor or dentist before using any teeth whitening products. Certain chemicals can make you gum or tooth problem worse. Have any tooth or gum problems fixed or treated before you use any tooth whitening chemicals or procedures.

If you are looking to whiten your teeth then you may want to consider avoiding some bad habits which can cause tooth discoloration. The three big culprits are coffee, soda, and cigarettes. By avoiding these there things you will make it so much easier to whiten your teeth and keep them that way.

To summarize, there is nothing more that you want than to find the best ways to take care of your teeth so that you have a brilliant smile. Your smile can make or break a first impression, so it is good that you are interested. Hopefully, the advice here will help you out!

Oral Hygiene: Beyond That Good Smile And Fresh Breath

Oral hygiene is very important, as we have been told since we were young. In fact, brushing our teeth and gargling were among the first practices we were taught when we were kids. Most of us would have probably learned how to brush our teeth well even before they could utter words clearly or speak straight. If asked about the significance of oral health, most people usually talk about cute smiles and fresh breath. Who would want to risk his reputation anyway by smiling in front of his friends or the camera with unclean teeth. Or imagine how embarrassing it would be when you suddenly notice that your friend has intentionally, yet subtly stopped breathing while you are talking. It’s a good thing he didn’t dare ask you whether you swallowed a dead rat.

The need to maintain oral health though far exceeds the desire for a confident smile or sweet smelling breath. For, poor oral hygiene and untreated oral problems can greatly affect the quality of people’s lives. If the eyes are the window into people’s innermost being, the mouth is a mirror that reflects the health condition of their body. Recent researches indicate that there is a link between periodontal (gum) disease and heart diseases such as stroke. Moreover, 90% of all systemic health problems have manifestations in the mouth.

Based on the latest Surgeon General’s report regarding oral hygiene, the quality of life of many Americans is often reduced due to oral health diseases and pain. The disturbing pain is usually caused by gum infections, which can also result to loss of more teeth. The study also said that 75% of the American population suffers from gingivitis or periodontal disease. Yet the alarming fact is that these oral infections can seriously affect some major organs of the body thus leading to certain diseases such as bacterial endocarditis (an inflammation of the lining of the heart and its valves), intestinal failure, irritable bowel Syndrome, oral cancer, and other diseases.

Since maintaining a good oral health is vital, you must strive to observe the proper ways of oral hygiene. Aside from personal practices such as brushing, gargling, and using dental floss, it is advisable for you to visit your dentist every 6 months. Moreover, it is necessary that you should inform your dentist not only of your dental, but also your medical history or recent health problems. Your dentist is usually one of the first individuals to detect and diagnose a health problem and he can help you in identifying these diseases in their earliest phase. In conclusion, people are advised to practice good oral hygiene in order to avoid getting some diseases.

Get Whiter Teeth With These Easy Tips

If you have yellow teeth and would like to learn how to whiten them, but you don’t know where to begin, then this article is for you. It contains several useful tips and tricks that not only will answer your question, but ensure great results with little time and effort.

Use an electric toothbrush. Experts have found that electric toothbrushes are superior to non-electric ones. Electric toothbrushes are more likely to reach areas regular toothbrushes cannot. The pulsating of electric toothbrushes also means that they do a far superior job of brushing your teeth. This eliminates stains far more efficiently.

If you are going to the dentist to have bleaching treatments, be sure not to overdo it. People get excited at the results they see, so they think their teeth will get even whiter if they continuously get them bleached. Unfortunately, the only result of this are teeth that turn blue!

Remember that why you are getting your teeth whitened, you may experience quite a bit of sensitivity immediately afterwards. This is completely normal, and should go away within a day or so. Try to eat soft foods, and give your teeth a break for the remainder of the day.

it is crucial that you wash your mouth out good after you are done brushing your teeth. By leaving even the smallest amount of toothpaste in your mouth, you are risking the chance of discoloration. After you are done brushing your teeth, swish the water around in your mouth for two minutes than spit.

One important teeth whitening tip is to try to always brush and floss your teeth even when not at home. This is important to prevent the build up of plaque. Bring a toothbrush and floss with you at work and also when you go out to eat. At the very least, try to wash your mouth out after a meal.

If you have or are planning on getting Invisalign to enhance your smile, I recommend that you wait until after your treatment to start whitening your teeth. If you do this, you can save hundreds of dollars on the whitening process by using your Invisalign aligners as trays for your whitening gel.

One of the fastest ways to get pearly white teeth is by using an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes are highly recommended by many dentists because they eliminate more plaque than regular toothbrushes. Other benefits of using an electric toothbrush include better protection from cavities and gingivitis.

If you have gum disease, a gum infection or unfilled cavities, consult with your family doctor or dentist before using any teeth whitening products. Certain chemicals can make you gum or tooth problem worse. Have any tooth or gum problems fixed or treated before you use any tooth whitening chemicals or procedures.

You’ll be amazed at how having white teeth can boost your self-confidence. It will make you more attractive, more socially-engaged, and free you from having to be embarrassed about your smile. Apply the tips in this article to achieve great results from teeth-whitening, and rediscover how to enjoy life with a smile you can be proud of.

The Effects of Smoking with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Smoking on its own is associated with many different diseases and can be a risk factor for
multiple types of cancer. But in a person with diabetes or a pre-diabetic there are specific
risks that arise. There are some differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and
smoking hazards.

In type 1 diabetes, smoking is not a risk factor for being diagnoses because people with
this type of diabetes were born with the genetic make-up to get the disease. But smoking
can exacerbate the complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes. An
increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular problems is found in diabetic smokers.
In type 1 diabetics who smoke the risk for kidney disease or kidney failure is increased.

In pre-diabetics or people who may be at higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes smoking
is a contributing factor to a diagnosis. Smoking increases the likelihood that their body
will develop an insulin resistance and need insulin injections or medication in the future.

There are not many studies that have been conducted on the benefits of quitting smoking
if you are a diabetic. But it does stand to reason that because smoking and diabetes both
increase the chances of heart disease that by quitting smoking you will improve your
health and the state of your diabetes.

If you are having trouble quitting on your own or want more information on the benefits
of stopping, make an appointment with your doctor. There are many aids that are
available as well as support your can utilize to help you in the process. There are nicotine
patches and gum or you can try medication or hypnosis. It is a hard thing to do but you
will reap many rewards both financially and in terms of your overall health and life
expectancy.

Brighter, Whiter Smiles With These Teeth Whitening Tips

White teeth are important to many people. In fact, the condition of your teeth can determine how other people view you and how you view yourself. Getting teeth that are white is actually simple. By using the tips provided in this article, you will be able to make sure your teeth are white all the time.

While brushing your teeth with some kind of tooth whitener can actually be a bit beneficial, it won’t be able brighten your smile by more than a degree or two. To have really improved whitening you will need to find a more aggressive program to take care of the discoloring problem.

Be careful using “home remedies” to whiten your teeth. Common home remedies like lemons, ash, or baking soda can actually do more damage than good. You should ask your dentist for “home remedy” suggestions if you cannot afford a professional procedure.

If you are trying to get your teeth whiter by using a peroxide product, then you need to be careful. These products can make your teeth overly sensitive, which can make your life very uncomfortable. If you are on a whitening regiment and begin to experience pain, you should stop and consult a doctor immediately.

Avoid letting teeth whitening products from having contact with your gums. You should also pay attention to any unusual tooth or gum sensitivities, while using any type of teeth whitening products. Make sure the tray or strips fit correctly. If you notice pain or irritation, stop using the product immediately and consult your dentist.

Schedule regular appointments to have your teeth cleaned. Yearly appointments for teeth cleanings are recommended. Many people do who do not visit the dentist on a regular basis are quick to buy harsh chemicals to whiten their teeth later. Avoid stained teeth and harsh chemicals completely by having your teeth cleaned at the dentist at least once a year.

Approximately half of all patients who try some sort of whitening treatment, especially those at home, will experience some level of tooth sensitivity as a result. If this happens to you, try lowering the concentration of the product that you are using, and see if that corrects the problem.

Eat your fruits and veggies. This is something that you may hear quite often and for teeth whitening, fruits and vegetables with a crunchy texture can leave your teeth whiter after eating them. They will help remove stains from your teeth, leaving them whiter.

If you truly desire a whiter smile, you might want to rethink your dietary choices. Anything red, brown, or dark is almost guaranteed to stain your teeth. So is smoking. If you cannot limit or eradicate these items from your diet, try brushing after every meal, or even eating an apple!

Getting teeth that are white is actually more simple than it seems. Since this determines how you feel about yourself and how other people feel about you, it’s important to have white teeth. Using the tips above you will be able to make sure your teeth are always white and pretty.

To Extract Or Not: The Wisdom Tooth Question

A wisdom tooth, in humans, is any of the usual four third molars. Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages seventeen and twenty five in age. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to some to have also fewer wisdom teeth or more in which this case is called supernumerary teeth. Most of the wisdom teeth may affect other teeth as they develop and become impacted or coming in sideways. They are often extracted when this situation occur. There is less reports of people do not have the wisdom teeth or have not developed. Sometimes wisdom teeth fail to erupt completely through the gum bed and the gum at the back of the wisdom tooth extends over the biting surface, forming a soft tissue flap or lid around the tooth called an operculum. Teeth that are covered by an operculum can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush. Additional cleaning techniques can include using a needle less plastic syringe to vigorously wash the tooth with moderate pressured water or to softly wash it with hydrogen peroxide.
There are two reasons when wisdom may be extracted. First reason is either the wisdom teeth have already become infected, or the wisdom teeth could potentially become problematic if not extracted. Potential problems cause by the presence of properly grown in wisdom teeth include infections caused by food particles easily trapped in the jaw area behind the wisdom teeth regular brushing and flossing is difficult and ineffective. The second reason why wisdom teeth need to extracted is because, of the misalignment which rubs up against the tongue or check causing pain, potential crowding or malocclusion of the remaining teeth as well as orthodontics.
The wisdom in removing the wisdom teeth before they cause the trouble has long been debated. In only a small percentage of people do they grow in straight and healthy? The human jaw has been steadily decreasing in size for millenniums and few are having a jaw that is large enough to accommodate for more teeth in the back of the moth. As a result many teeth grow in sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain impacted, and forever trapped beneath in.
The debate in whether to extract the wisdom tooth or not before such problems may occur or wait until they do. Some of the dentist that don t bother the wisdom until they bother you.. Some also believed that it is better to get the malpositioned wisdom teeth while you are young and healthy rather that they may cause trouble eventually. Those who suggest that as patient age it more difficult to have a surgery rather than you are younger. The complication is more numerous and longer time to heal.
The risk of the complications that is associated with malpositioned wisdom teeth is not in question. The argument is how likely the complication may occur, such as the possible infection of the surrounding gum tissues, or having the fluid cyst formation. Lastly the decay or dental carries this makes the wisdom teeth hard to clean and repair.
To conclude, healthy and normally positioned wisdom teeth can be very valuable additions to a person’s mouth and should not be removed.

Learn As Much As You Can On The Subject Of Diabetes

Fortunately, we know enough about diabetes today to know that this disease is no longer a death sentence. With the right information on your side, you can fight diabetes naturally and live a healthy, normal lifestyle. Here are a few tips you can use to keep your diabetes under control.

Diabetics need to brush and floss their teeth regularly. An increased level of glucose in your blood means that there will be increased levels of glucose in your saliva. Diabetics have a difficult time fighting infection; therefore, gum disease would be more difficult to treat. Good hygiene includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and make sure you floss.

Using a log book to record your daily glucose test results can be very helpful in controlling your diabetes. It is important to notice trends in your blood sugar readings, so having a written record can help you look back and see patterns. Taking a written record to your appointments can also help your doctor to make treatment adjustments.

In order to prevent gestational diabetes, try eating a low glycaemic index diet. These diets help to slow the digestion of food, which allows the body to adjust to the amount of sugar that is consumed during a meal. In turn, this helps to prevent women from developing gestational diabetes.

Taking care of your teeth is extremely important when you have diabetes. When you have high levels of glucose in your system, you will also have that in your saliva which will bring about tooth decay. When you have diabetes, it is harder for you to fight any type of infection, so if you get gum disease it will be more serious than if a healthy person develops it.

Keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level is important. There are several ways you can do this. You can keep your blood sugar healthy by eating the same amounts of food every day. Also, eat your meals and snacks about the same time each day. Keep your routine for eating, medicine, and exercise the same each day and that will help keep your blood sugar level healthy.

To have sustainable success in managing diabetes remember that steady begets steady. Diabetes is dangerous due to extreme swings in blood sugar levels. These can be avoided with regular meals and exercise. It also means avoiding extreme diets. The lack of one particular food group for a few weeks might mean rapid weight loss, but it might also be starving your internal organs of something they need.

Control when and how much you eat. Try to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day. Eating at the same time will keep your blood sugar regulated and make it easier to maintain. How much you eat is important because even if you eat healthy, but overeat, you can gain weight.

While diabetes might not be a death sentence, it still has to be managed properly. A failure to take care of yourself while you have diabetes will do nothing but invite those problems. Once these problems rear their ugly head, there’s no going back. Don’t allow the complications to settle in; use the tips you’ve learned above to control diabetes.