Toothbrushes
Diabetes Australia recommends
that everyone brush their teeth
for two minutes, two times a day
to remove bacteria that lead to
tooth decay. The Australian
Dental Association also
recommends changing your
toothbrushes or electric heads
after you’ve been sick, every
three months, or when bristles
look splayed and worn –
whichever comes first.
If you opt for a manual
toothbrush, choose a soft-bristled
brush. “Soft bristles are flexible
enough to sweep under gums and
remove gooey, sticky plaque,” says
Cram. (Medium and hard bristles
will abrade the tooth surface,
leaving bacteria behind.)
Research shows that electric
brushes that oscillate and rotate
at a high frequency can remove
more plaque compared to manual
toothbrushes, says Cram.
They’re also great if you lack
the dexterity to effectively
manoeuvre a manual. (Battery-
operated devices don’t spin fast
enough, however, so opt for a
rechargeable model.) Electric
brushes can be expensive, but
those priced at the lower end
of the spectrum can be just as
good as more expensive models.MANUAL
Oral B Pro Health 7 Benefits
Soft Cross Action Toothbrush
($6, oralb.com.au). A good brush with
soft bristles and indicator bristles that
change colour so you know when
it’s time to replace it.ELECTRIC
Oral-B Pro (from $70,
oralb.com.au). Protect your gums
with the unique round head that
helps remove more plaque than
a manual toothbrush.Toothpaste
Your No. 1 feature in a good
toothpaste? Fluoride. “Adults
with diabetes are more prone
to gum inflammation that can
lead to gum recession, which
exposes the softer, more cavity-
prone roots of teeth,” says
Peter M. Loomer, dean and
professor at the University of
Texas Health Sciences Center
at San Antonio School of
Dentistry.
You may also find that gum
recession makes your teeth
more prone to pain from hot
and cold food. In that case, go
for a sensitivity toothpaste.SENSITIVE SMILES
Sensodyne Repair and
Protect Whitening ($11.49 for 100g,
sensodyne.com.au). This toothpaste
has been proven to relieve dental
hypersensitivity.Mouthwash
While it isn’t a substitute
for brushing or flossing,
mouthwash can kill germs to
lessen plaque build-up, and
can add an extra layer of
protection if you’re prone to
cavities. Avoid alcohol-based
rinses, as these are drying to
oral tissues, making decay
and (oddly enough) bad
breath more likely, says
dentist Jon Marashi.ALL-AROUND
Listerine (from $9.80 for 1L,
listerine.com.au). Offering a large
range of mouthwashes to target your
specific needs, while leaving you with
a tingling-fresh feeling in your mouth.DRY MOUTH
Colgate Dry Mouth Relief
Mouthwash ($11.99 for 473ml,
colgate.com.au). A fluoride mouth-
rinse, with a moisturising mint flavour
to provide soothing relief.Floss
Gum disease starts in-between
teeth, so flossing once daily is
a must. The type of floss you
choose depends on your smile’s
unique needs. If you have large
crevices between teeth or have
had lots of dental work, you may
also benefit from an interdental
cleaner or water flosser. But these
should be used as a supplement
to floss, not a replacement.DENTAL FLOSS
Oral-B offers an array of dental
floss (from $2.99, oralb.com.au).
Range includes Satin Floss for
something more gentle on the
gums, and Deep Clean Floss which
delivers deep cleaning power.FLOSSING BRUSHES
Piksters interdental brushes
(from $7.80, piksters.com) come in
an array of sizes to help reach to the
tough areas between the teeth. ■W
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ORRECT^ATTIME^ OF^ PRINTINGdiabetic living NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 105self care