Healthy Teeth and Gums: An Important Part of Your Diabetes Management Plan

Everybody likes a bright smile. And keeping your teeth and gums healthy is especially important if you have diabetes. That’s because people with diabetes are at increased risk for a variety of oral health complications, including periodontal (gum) disease, which can damage the gums and bone around your teeth.¹

The Vicious Cycle

Gum disease may make it harder for you to manage your blood sugar.¹ And poorly controlled diabetes can, in turn, lead to even worse tooth and gum problems.² Studies suggest that gum disease also may be linked to other serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.³

Chew on These Tips

How can you help keep your teeth and gums healthy? In addition to managing your blood sugar,¹ here are some strategies:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste⁴ and a soft-bristle brush. Use short, gentle strokes, pay special attention to the gum line, and take your time. Brush your tongue, too.⁵ Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three or four months.⁶

• Floss your teeth once a day.⁴ Ask your dentist about the proper way to floss.² Specially designed dental flossholders make flossing easier.⁵

• Call your dentist if you notice any of the warning signs of gum disease.⁴ These may include red, tender gums that bleed; gums that have pulled away from your teeth; bad breath; or loose teeth.⁷

• Be sure to get a checkup every six months² so that your dentist or hygenist can remove tartar from your teeth and gum line. Tartar harbors plaque, which is a sticky film loaded with bacteria that increases your risk for gum disease. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes.⁴

• If you wear dentures, have them checked regularly by your dentist.²

Smoking also can increase your risk for gum disease,² as well as serious diabetic complications, such as nerve damage and heart disease. So, if you smoke, quit.⁸

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a team effort. But with daily care and regular dental checkups, you can have a bright smile—and keep your diabetes under control.⁴

¹ “Diabetes: Dental Tips.” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, May 2007. www.nidcr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/9490033D-5CE4-4CFB-9755-FB5BB2A5545F/0/DiabetesDentalTips_Eng.pdf. Accessed 2010.

² “Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy.” National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, April 2008. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_teeth/index.htm Accessed 2010.

³ “Oral-Systemic Health (Your Oral Health and Overall Health).” American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/4081.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Diabetes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/3069.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.

⁵ “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx Accessed 2010.

⁶ “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums.” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx Accessed 2010.

⁷ “Disease, Gum (Diseases, Periodontal).” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. http:///www.ada.org/3063.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.

⁸ “Smoking.” American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/smoking.jsp Accessed 2010.