Managing Mouth Care with Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes tend to have more problems with their teeth and gums if their blood glucose remains high.¹ The following measures can help protect your teeth and gums from developing oral infections:

• Get your teeth and gums cleaned and checked regularly.^2,4

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Pay special attention to the gum line.¹

• Floss at least once a day.¹

• Call your dentist if you have red, sore, or bleeding gums or a sore tooth.²

Remember that it is important to keep your blood glucose at a healthy level. Here are some general tips to help you do just that: 

• Follow your doctor’s dietary recommendations.¹

• Don’t forget to take your medicine.¹

• Try to exercise at least 30 minutes most days. Consult with your doctor first.¹

• Check and record your blood glucose each day.¹

Traveling might disrupt your routine and affect your blood glucose, so plan accordingly:

• Arrange ahead of time for a diabetic meal if you’re traveling by plane, train, or ship.³

• Carry extra food with you in case meals are late.³

• Carry twice as much medicine and blood testing supplies as you normally need with you. Keep them in your carry-on bag.³

• Ask your doctor how to adjust your medications, especially insulin, if you’re traveling across multiple time zones.³

¹ “Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy.” National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, April 2008. www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_teeth/index.htm Accessed 2010.

²“Diabetes Health Concerns.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 4, 2019.www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/problems.htm Accessed 2010.

³ “Have Diabetes. Will Travel.” National Diabetes Education Program, June 2006. www.ndep.nih.gov/media/Diabetes_travel_article.pdf Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Tooth Decay.” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association, March 14, 2005. www.ada.org/3031.aspx Accessed 2010.