Diabetes & Oral Health
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Too much glucose (sugar) in the blood for a long time can cause
diabetes problems. This high blood glucose (also called blood sugar)
can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels,
eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart
attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down
diabetes problems.
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High blood glucose can cause tooth and gum
problems. |
This booklet is about the tooth and gum problems caused by
diabetes. You will learn what you can do each day and during each
year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems.
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| Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian
have worked out. |
| Be active a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your doctor what activities
are best for you. |
| Take your diabetes medicines at the same times each day. |
| Check your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood
glucose, write the number in your record book. |
| Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness,
or sore toenails. |
| Brush and floss your teeth and gums every day. |
| Don't smoke. |
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Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full
of germs (called plaque [PLAK]) builds up on your teeth. High blood
glucose helps germs (bacteria) grow. Then you can get red, sore, and
swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often
if their blood glucose stays high. High blood glucose can make tooth
and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth.
Smoking makes it more likely for you to get a bad case of gum
disease, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or
older.
Red, sore, and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease.
This can lead to periodontitis (PER-ee-oh-don-TY-tis). Periodontitis
is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in
place. If the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from
your teeth, making your teeth look long.
Call your dentist if you think you have problems with your teeth
or gums.
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If you have one or more of these problems, you may have tooth and
gum damage from diabetes:
- red, sore, swollen gums
- bleeding gums
- gums pulling away from your teeth so your teeth look
long
- loose or sensitive teeth
- bad breath
- a bite that feels different
- dentures (false teeth) that do not fit well
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- Keep your blood glucose as close to normal as possible.
- Use dental floss at least once a day. Flossing helps prevent the buildup
of plaque on your teeth. Plaque can harden and grow under your gums and
cause problems. Using a sawing motion, gently bring the floss between the
teeth, scraping from bottom to top several times.
- Brush your teeth after each meal and snack. Use a soft toothbrush. Turn
the bristles against the gum line and brush gently. Use small, circular
motions. Brush the front, back, and top of each tooth.
- If you wear false teeth, keep them clean.
- Ask the person who cleans your teeth to show you the best way
to brush and floss your teeth and gums. Ask this person about the
best toothbrush and toothpaste to use.
- Call your dentist right away if you have problems with your
teeth and gums.
- Call your dentist if you have red, sore, or bleeding gums;
gums that are pulling away from your teeth; a sore tooth that
could be infected; or soreness from your dentures.
- Get your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist
twice a year.
- If your dentist tells you about a problem, take care of it
right away.
- Be sure your dentist knows that you have diabetes.
- If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit
smoking.
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Your dentist can help you take care of your teeth and gums by
- cleaning and checking your teeth and gums twice a year
- helping you learn the best way to brush and floss your teeth
and gums
- telling you if you have problems with your teeth or gums and
what to do about them
- making sure your false teeth fit well
Plan ahead. You may be taking a diabetes medicine that can make
your blood glucose too low. This very low blood glucose is called
hypoglycemia (hy-po-gly-SEE-mee-uh). If so, talk to your doctor and
dentist before the visit about the best way to take care of your
blood glucose during the dental work. You may need to bring some
diabetes medicine and food with you to the dentist's office.
If your mouth is sore after the dental work, you might not be
able to eat or chew for several hours or days. For guidance on how
to adjust your normal routine while your mouth is healing, ask your
doctor
- what foods and drinks you should have
- how you should change your diabetes medicines
- how often you should check your blood glucose
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National Diabetes
Information Clearinghouse
National Diabetes Education
Program
American Diabetes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation International
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