February 15, 2006
What is so important about seeing the dentist yearly?
People with diabetes get gum disease more often than people who do not have diabetes. Gum infections can make it hard to control blood sugar.
Once a gum infection starts, it can take a long time to heal. If the infection is bad, teeth can loosen or even fall out. Good blood sugar control can prevent gum problems.
Keeping your own teeth is important for healthy eating. Your own teeth help you chew foods better and easier than you can with dentures. Infections can make gums sore and uneven and then dentures may not fit right. Be sure to tell your dentist if your dentures hurt.
Take good care of your teeth and gums. At least twice a day, brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss every day to clean between the teeth.
If your gums bleed while you are brushing your teeth or eating, or a bad taste stays in your mouth, go to the dentist. Tell your dentist about any other changes you see, such as white patches, in your mouth.
Smoking makes gum problems worse. Your doctor or dentist can help you quit.
TRIVIA
Diabetes terminology changed in 1997. Arabic numerals and lowercase letters replaced the Roman numerals and capital "T". Type I diabetes became type 1 diabetes and Type II diabetes became type 2 diabetes.
TIPS
Medical: If you haven't had a dental check this year, call and make an appointment now.
Diet: How many servings of fruits and vegetables did you have yesterday? Try for 5 today. Did you know that 9 servings are even better?
Exercise: The recommendation has gone up! You need an hour of exercise on most days to lose weight.
To lower your blood pressure, eat less salt
• Try not to put salt on food at the table.
• Use less salt when cooking. Instead, try basil, dill, lemon pepper, paprika or garlic powder.
• Eat fewer high-salt foods, such as canned soups, ham, sauerkraut, hot dogs, pickles and food that tase salty. Choose reduced-fat and reduced-sodium varieties of these foods.
• Eat fewer convenience and fast foods.
Healthy Recipe
CRUSTLESS SPINACH QUICHE
6 servings. Great for a weekend breakfast or try it for lunch or dinner with a cup of cooked carrots or broccoli, a slice of whole grain bread and serving of fruit.
1 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach
8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
5 eggs lightly beaten
4 teaspoons finely chopped onion
one fourth teaspoon nutmeg
Salt (optional) and pepper to taste
Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 350 degree.
2. Place spinach in colander to thaw. Press out all moisture.
3. Mix spinach with cheese, eggs, onion, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour into an 8-inch pie plate coated with vegetable spray.
5. Bake 30 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve hot or cold.