As a parent, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their health. If your child has diabetes, it’s important to pay special attention to their oral and eye health. Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the mouth and eyes, but with proper care, you can help your child stay healthy.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes happens when the body struggles to use sugar, either due to low insulin (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2). When blood sugar is high, it can lead to problems with teeth and eyes. Being aware of these effects helps you better manage your child’s diabetes and support their overall health.
Oral Health and Diabetes
Children with diabetes may get cavities more easily and their adult teeth may appear earlier. High blood sugar can cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Here are some ways to help protect your child’s oral health:
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups. Make sure the dentist knows your child has diabetes so they can provide the best care.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. This helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria known for damaging the hard surfaces of the teeth and causing cavities and gum disease.
- Healthy Snacks: Opt for healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks helps balance blood sugar and reduces cavity risk by minimizing plaque buildup from bacteria digesting sugars and carbs.
- Monitor Blood Sugar: Keeping blood sugar levels within a target range can help prevent oral health problems. Work with your healthcare team to set goals for your child’s diabetes management.
Eye Health and Diabetes
Diabetes can also affect your child’s eyesight. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This can cause your child to have trouble reading, seeing at night, seeing faces across the room and may even lead to blindness.
Here are some tips to help protect your child’s eye health:
- Regular, Dilated Eye Exams: Make sure your child gets regular eye exams if they have diabetes. These exams can catch problems early and help prevent worsening vision with proper treatment.
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Just like oral health, keeping blood sugar levels stable is crucial for eye health. High blood sugar can lead to swelling in the lens of the eye, affecting vision.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage your child to eat healthy and be active. Support them by joining activities they enjoy, like dancing or biking. Choose fresh foods and avoid processed snacks and sugary drinks.
- Protective Eyewear: If your child plays sports, make sure they wear protective eyewear to prevent injuries that can affect their vision.
Supporting Your Child
To help your child with diabetes thrive, prioritize their oral and eye health. Encourage good dental habits and regular eye exams. With your support and guidance, they can enjoy a happy, healthy life.
This blog was written in collaboration with Dr. John Lahr, medical director at EyeMed Vision Care which administers Delta Dental of Arizona’s DeltaVision plans. Dr. Lahr has 50 years of experience in eye care delivery and vision care.
