Diabetes: Dental Tips

Diabetes can cause serious problems in 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.

Take steps to keep your mouth healthy.

If you have diabetes, follow these steps:

• Control your blood glucose.
• Brush and floss every day.
• Visit dentist regularly. Be sure to tell the dentist that you have diabetes.
• Tell the dentist if your dentures (false teeth) do not fit right, or if your gums are sore.
• Quit smoking. Smoking makes gum disease worse. There are smoking cessation programs that can help quit smoking.

Visit www.mydentistchino.com or Call 909 627 6699 for additional information.