How Can Diabetes Hurt My Teeth and Gums?

[Guest guest]

Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full of germs

called plaque builds up on your teeth. High blood glucose helps germs

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.

Check your teeth and gums for signs of problems from diabetes.

How do I know if I have damage to my teeth and gums?

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

How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

•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.

• Brush and floss your teeth and gums every day.

•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.

How can my dentist take care of my teeth and gums?

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

• Get your teeth cleaned and checked twice a year.

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

For More Information

Diabetes Teachers (nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other health

professionals)

To find a diabetes teacher near you, call the American Association of

Diabetes Educators toll-free at 1-800-TEAMUP4 (1-), or look

on the Internet at www.diabeteseducator.org and click on " Find a Diabetes

Educator. "

Dietitians

To find a dietitian near you, call the American Dietetic Association

toll-free at 1-, or look on the Internet at www.eatright.org

and click on " Find a Nutrition Professional. "

Marilyn

Moderator for

Diabetic_Recipes

dnevessr@...

Opinions expressed are solely

my own and should not be

mistaken for

Professional advice.