YOUR ORAL HEALTH DIABETES CARE - Charles B. Wang ...

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DIABETES & YOUR ORAL HEALTH. People with diabetes should pay special attention to their mouth, teeth and gums since
Diabetes Care YOUR oral health

Diabetes & Your Oral Health

People with diabetes should pay special attention to their mouth, teeth and gums since they are at higher risk of developing gum disease, cavities and infections. If you have diabetes, this brochure will give you useful information to help you prevent dental problems.

Watch Out for Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers your teeth. After you eat or drink, plaque interacts with the sugars from your meal or drink, and it can attack your teeth. This is how you get cavities. Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, it becomes more difficult to clean between the teeth. This can lead to constant infections in the mouth.

How you can prevent it

Plaque is a problem for diabetics since they have high sugar levels in their saliva. The sugar helps bacteria grow. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and using floss helps remove plaque. You should also see your dentist twice a year for regular check ups.

Beware of Gum Disease

(gingivitis or periodontal disease)

It is an infection of the gums and bones that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease can result in loose teeth and teeth loss. Diabetics have a higher risk of gum disease and teeth loss.

How you can prevent it

Maintain your blood sugar levels, follow a well-balanced diet, brush and floss your teeth daily, and get regular dental check ups and gum examinations. 5

Warning Signs for Gum Disease

It is possible to have gum disease and not have the signs below. But if you notice any of the following, see your dentist right away. • Gums that bleed easily • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Gums that have pulled away from teeth • Pus between teeth and gums when the gums are pressed • Constant bad breath or bad taste in the mouth • Permanent teeth that are loose or separating • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite • Any change in the fit of partial dentures

See Your Dentist Regularly

Preventive oral health care, such as cleanings by your dentist, is important to control gum disease and other oral health problems.

It’s important to keep your medical records up to date. Let your dentist know: • If you have diabetes • If your diabetes is under control • If there has been any change in your medical history • The names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking

Your dentist may also ask to test your blood sugar to see if your diabetes is under control.

See your dentist twice a year for check ups! 6

Diabetics & Dental Treatments

Diabetics should take care during dental treatments. Some dental treatments take a long time to heal and may require you to change your meal schedule and the timing or dosage of insulin. Some drugs used in dental treatments can affect your blood sugar levels. Your dentist may talk to your doctor about this and other issues. Diabetics have a higher risk of infection. If you are having oral surgery, your dentist may have you take antibiotics to lower your risk of infection. To help the healing process after surgery, keep your blood sugar levels under control before, during, and after surgery. Before any dental treatment, let the dentist know about all of the medications that you currently take, including over-the-counter products.

5 Easy Steps to Help Protect Your Teeth 1. Care for teeth and gums 2. Brush at least twice a day 3. Floss at least once a day 4. See a dentist every 6 months 5. Report to dentist any bleeding or sores on your gums

Preventive oral health care helps you keep a healthy smile. 7

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