Oral health

Among diabetic children
There will be a spike in sugar levels within their mouth, poor blood flow to the gums, changes in PH levels, and changes in the kind of bacteria within the mouth.” She also adds that with diabetes affecting the end vessels in one’s circulatory system, several body parts and organs get damaged such as eyes, kidneys, feet and teeth. “Focusing on the mouth,” Dr Sekalala says, “it is likely for a child to develop gum disease leading to an unhealthy mouth. The child may also experience pain in the gum hence hate to brush.”

Predisposing factors
Dr. Sekalala says that a child living with diabetes is predisposed to high levels of infection compared to a child without. For example, while other children may not have major problems arising from medicinal syrups, a child with diabetes may face some complications such as bacteria thriving in their mouth at a very high rate, oral ulcers, candidiasis (an infection on top of an infection.)

“There are 4 factors that allow for harmful bacteria to thrive hence wreak havoc in your child’s mouth; sugar, teeth, bacteria and time,” she explains.

Curbing the ailments
Dr Sekalala advocates that parents teach children all about oral hygiene such as brushing every after a meal to eliminate the factor of time hence support good oral hygiene.”

She also suggests using other treatment options other than syrups. Nonetheless, Dr Sekalala emphasizes that if this child is well taken care of, they will not ail.