Diabetes and Dental Care

Here’s something to smile about…

When living with diabetes, protecting your teeth from gum disease is easier than you think and it all starts with good blood glucose control!

Without good blood glucose control, your body has a hard time fighting off bacteria that will invade your gums, causing early or advanced gum disease. Gum disease can even cause diabetes to progress, because it directly raises blood glucose levels so…

stopping gum disease before it starts is the key!

Things to Watch For:

1. 1. Gums are swollen, red, and bleed, especially when flossing.
   2. Puss may ooze from your gums.
   3. Your gums appear to have pulled away, making your teeth look longer.
   4. Partial dentures don’t fit correctly, as your teeth may have shifted.
   5. Teeth may become loose and bad breath won’t go away.

How to Prevent Dental Issues:

1. Most importantly… maintain blood glucose levels constantly!
2. Brush your teeth after every meal or snack and make sure you floss daily.
3. Have a dental check-up regularly and don’t delay dental work that needs to be done.
4. Clean partial dentures, if you wear them.
5. Stop smoking.
6. If there are any signs or symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment with a dentist immediately.

An important thing to consider is how dental work may change the way your medications and eating habits effect you, so talk with your doctor before any dental work to make sure you’re maintaining the correct blood glucose levels.

It is also important to tell your dentist and hygienist that you have diabetes as they can alter treatments and personalize them just for you.