Diabetes and Your Gums and Teeth

Diabetes can lead to infections in your gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place. Like all infections, gum infections can cause blood glucose to rise. Without treatment, teeth may become loose and fall out.

Help prevent damage to your gums and teeth by doing the following:

• See your dentist twice a year. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Keep your blood glucose as close to normal as possible.

Keeping your blood glucose in your target range, brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and having regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent gum and teeth problems when you have diabetes.

James runs a bookstore in California. He's 35 years old and has had type 1 diabetes for 15 years. James takes good care of his teeth and sees his dentist twice a year. He makes his appointments in the morning, after breakfast, so he won't get hypoglycemia while at the dentist. He also carries glucose tablets and wears an identification bracelet that has the name and the telephone number of his doctor on it.

source: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type1and2/care.htm

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