Importance of healthy teeth and gums for the diabetic patient

Healthy teeth and gums are very important for overall health for people with diabetes. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is easy and will aid in blood sugar control. Diabetes education should always include dental advice.

If you have diabetes, taking care of your mouth is very important. You are at risk for problems with periodontal disease, which can damage the gums and bone that support your teeth. It may lead to bleeding gums, chewing problems and tooth loss. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control blood glucose levels. Both people with diabetes and their family members should follow general guidelines such as the ones listed below. Please review them with your dentist or dental hygienist!

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a fluoride tartar-control toothpaste, and, if you have diabetes, brush after each meal (recent research demonstrates greater effectiveness using electric or battery operated brushes compared with manual brushes).

* Floss your teeth at least once a day at bedtime, then brush.

* If you have a dry mouth, a high rate of tooth decay, or sensitive teeth, your dentist may prescribe a concentrated fluoride solution with directions for home application.

* Meal planning is important for maintaining good dental health. Avoid the frequent eating of very sugary or sticky foods. Use sugar free products when possible. If you have a problem with worn, cracking or loose teeth, avoid chewing hard foods such as hard candies, nuts, or ice.

* Visit your dentist regularly. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes. Tell your dentist if your dentures do not fit or if your gums are sore. Take time to check your mouth regularly for any problems. Sometimes people notice their gums bleed when they brush and floss. Others notice dryness, soreness, white patches, or bad taste in the mouth. All of these are reasons to visit your dentist.

* If you smoke, quit. Smoking makes gum disease worse. Your physician or diabetes nurse educator can help you quit.

* Advise your children and family members to follow a similar dental routine.

* Remember, blood glucose control can help prevent mouth problems.

Following these guidelines will help keep your mouth healthy and can prevent dental diseases, and which will require more expensive and time-consuming treatment.

Adapted from
Importance of healthy teeth and gums for the diabetic patient
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Undated document
No longer available on-line

Also see

Have Diabetes? Keeping Your Teeth And Gums Healthy
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
April 2008
http://www.prevention.va.gov/MPT/2008/04_2008_KeepingYourTeethandGumsHealthyandDiabetes.pdf

Detection and prevention of periodontal disease in diabetes (At the Diabetes Monitor)
http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/learning-center/teeth/periodontal-disease-in-diabetes-.htm

Dental disease (At the Diabetes Monitor)
http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/learning-center/teeth/dental-health.htm

Oral Health and Hygiene (From the ADA)
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/

Oral Health Problems and Diabetes (From the Cleveland Clinic)
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/diabetes_mellitus/hic_oral_health_problems_and_diabetes.aspx