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Dental Tips for Diabetics
Diabetes can
cause serious problems in your mouth. You can do something about it.
If you have diabetes,
make sure you take care of your mouth. People with diabetes are at risk for
mouth infections, especially periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease
can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place and may lead to
painful chewing problems. Some people with serious gum disease lose their
teeth. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control your blood
glucose (blood sugar).
Other problems diabetes
can cause are dry mouth and a fungal infection called thrush. Dry mouth
happens when you do not have enough saliva—the fluid that keeps your mouth
wet. Diabetes may also cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase.
Together, these problems may lead to thrush, which causes painful white
patches in your mouth.
You can keep your teeth
and gums healthy. By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing
everyday, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can help prevent periodontal
disease. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to
develop problems in your mouth.
Take steps to
keep your mouth healthy. Call your dentist when you notice a problem.
If you have diabetes,
follow these steps:
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Control your blood
glucose.
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Brush and floss every
day.
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Visit your dentist
regularly. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
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Tell your dentist if
your dentures (false teeth) do not fit right, or if your gums are sore.
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Quit smoking. Smoking
makes gum disease worse. Your physician or dentist can help you quit.
Take time to check your
mouth regularly for any problems. Sometimes people notice that their gums
bleed when they brush and floss. Others notice dryness, soreness, white
patches, or a bad taste in the mouth. All of these are reasons to visit your
dentist.
Remember, good blood
glucose control can help prevent mouth problems.
Source:
NIDCR
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