Dental Care

Gum disease and mouth infections are more common in people with diabetes than in nondiabetics. Regular brushing and flossing should be part of daily dental care. Visits to a Dentist once every six months should be done. Your Dentist may want to see you more or less frequently, depending on your dental state. 

Signs of gum disease include bleeding during gentle brushing, red swollen gums, bad breath, and loose teeth; oral infections can make your blood sugars higher. Also, higher blood sugars increase the risk of oral infections. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that does occur in poorly controlled diabetics. In this condition, a white patch that persists and cannot be removed is the warning sign. Whether they are white, red, or any irritation in your mouth, which does not go away, any such patches need to be evaluated by your Doctor or Dentist.

By stringent blood glucose control, regular brushing and flossing, and by regular visits to your Dentist, you can keep your teeth healthy and avoid oral infection. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months and preferably use a soft or medium toothbrush. Flossing or dental picks clean between the teeth and remove plaque and bits of food stuck between your teeth. If you do not floss, consider an ultrasonic toothbrush, which can also help remove plaque that builds between the teeth and removes food particles.