Dental health is a critical component of personal heath. For people living with diabetes, dental care is especially important since diabetes can compromise your immune system.
There are between 200 and 300 bacteria in your mouth so remembering to brush at least twice a day needs to be part of your daily ritual. Although it is counter-intuitive, choosing a soft toothbrush rather than a medium or hard one, is best. Medium and hard bristled toothbrushes actually damage enamel and don’t effectively remove the bacteria.
Adults should use a toothpaste that contains fluoride because as we age, our gums recede leaving tooth roots vulnerable to bacteria that can decay teeth. Mouthwash that does not contain alcohol can reduce bacteria in your mouth. Alcohol in mouthwashes actually increases the risk of tooth decay and bad breath because it dries out the mouth.
Finally flossing helps to keep gums healthier. So do as your dentist has recommended all your life and floss once a day.
Diabetes Friendly Recipe
Salmon-Stuffed Avocados*
1/2 cup non fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup diced celery
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 tsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground pepper
2 5-oz. cans salmon, drained, flaked, skin and bones removed
2 avocados
Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
Combine first 8 ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Add salmon mixing well.
Cut the avocados lengthwise and remove the pits. Scoop out about a tablespoon of avocado from each half.
Mash the scooped out avocado and mix that into your salmon.
Fill each avocado with around 1/4 cup of the salmon mixture and garnish with chives.
Serves 4: Calories 293, Carb: 10 grams (7 grams of fiber), Fat 20 grams, Protein 23g, Cholesterol 61mg. Sodium 400mg, Potassium 807mg
* From Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2019. page 69.
