Tips for dental health with diabetes

Diabetes increases risk of tooth decay, early gum disease (gingivitis) and late gum disease (periodontitis.) Gum disease can also cause higher blood sugar levels.

See your dentist regularly and have professional dental cleanings. Make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes!

Proper self-dental care

• Control blood sugar level.
• Brush teeth at least twice daily: morning, bedtime and after eating snacks or meals.
• Use soft bristled toothbrush and tooth paste with fluoride.
• Consider using an electric toothbrush.
• Diabetes and some medications can lead to dry mouth and increased risk of cavities. To help with dry mouth drink more fluids and change to sugar-free gum or candy.

If you notice the following warning signs, contact your dentist.

• Mouth pain that doesn’t go away
• White or red patches in mouth
• Tooth pain when chewing; pain or sensitivity to cold, hot food or drinks or to sweets
• Dark spots or holes in teeth
• Gum redness, swelling, bleeding or loose teeth