Diabetes and Your Dental Health

If you have Diabetes, you could be more prone to periodontal disease (infection of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place) than someone without Diabetes. That’s because Diabetes lowers your body’s resistance to infection, making you more susceptible to chronic bacterial infections that occur in your gum tissue.

Poor control of blood glucose also increases your risk for gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth decay. In addition to controlling your blood glucose levels, you can prevent periodontal disease and tooth loss simply by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Below are 10 tips for proper oral hygiene:

10 Tips for Preventing Periodontal Disease

1. One of the most important aspects in preventing gum disease is to visit your dentist at least twice a year. If you seem to have excess tartar buildup between semi-annual visits, your dentist may recommend you come more often.
2. If you are brushing on a regular basis, your toothbrush will wear down fairly quickly. Replace it after three months, or anytime after you have had a cold or the flu so you do not expose yourself to the germs once you are well.
3. Be sure to use a toothbrush with a soft head. Hard bristles can damage your teeth and gums by causing your tooth enamel to erode, your gums to recede and your teeth to become more sensitive.
4. At a minimum, you should brush at least twice a day for two full minutes at a time. For maximum effectiveness, brush after every meal. Always use a fluoride toothpaste.
5. Try an electric toothbrush. Because the bristles of an electric toothbrush oscillate and/or rotate, they can reach the plaque on your gum line much more effectively than the bristles of a traditional toothbrush.
6. Floss your teeth after meals, or whenever you brush your teeth. The waxed type of floss is the most popular type, since it glides easily between the teeth.
7. You might also find using a dental water jet, such as a Water-Pik®, helpful in removing bacteria in the mouth. If you use this type of device, you should do so two to three times a week.
8. Chew sugar-free gum after meals; this increases the flow of saliva, which may help reduce plaque buildup, prevent tooth decay and decrease the risk of gingivitis.
9. Dry mouth is one of the most common oral health problems for diabetics, typically as a side effect of medication. If you experience dry mouth, an over-the-counter product such as Biotene® can help. You should avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as it is a drying agent. Good control of blood glucose levels also help prevent dry mouth.
10. Diabetics can also experience thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. To prevent thrush, maintain good control of your blood sugar levels, avoid smoking and, if you wear dentures, remove and clean them daily.

Maintaining good control of your blood sugar and proper oral hygiene are the keys to healthy gums and teeth. Talk to your dentist about your mouth care regimen and about any concerns you might have regarding the impact of diabetes on your oral health.