Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your teeth and gums healthy

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Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your teeth and gums healthy
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

What are diabetes problems?

Too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes problems. This high blood glucose, also called blood sugar, can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.

Drawing of teeth, gums, and a single tooth. One part of the drawing is labeled to show teeth and gums. Another part of the drawing is labeled to show a cross-section of a tooth and the gum.
High blood glucose can cause tooth and gum problems.

This information is about the tooth and gum problems caused by diabetes. You will learn what you can do each day and during each year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems.


What should I do each day to stay healthy with diabetes?

How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums?

Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full of germs, called plaque, builds up on your teeth. High blood glucose helps germs, also called bacteria, grow. Then you can get red, sore, and swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.

People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often if their blood glucose stays high. High blood glucose can make tooth and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth.

Smoking makes it more likely for you to get a bad case of gum disease, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or older.

Red, sore, and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. These problems can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. If the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look long.

Call your dentist if you think you have problems with your teeth or gums.

Check your teeth and gums for signs of problems from diabetes.


How do I know if I have damage to my teeth and gums?

If you have one or more of these problems, you may have tooth and gum damage from diabetes:

* red, sore, swollen gums
* bleeding gums
* gums pulling away from your teeth so your teeth look long
* loose or sensitive teeth
* bad breath
* a bite that feels different
* dentures—false teeth—that do not fit well

How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

* Keep your blood glucose as close to normal as possible.
* Use dental floss at least once a day. Flossing helps prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque can harden and grow under your gums and cause problems. Using a sawing motion, gently bring the floss between the teeth, scraping from bottom to top several times.
* Brush your teeth after each meal and snack. Use a soft toothbrush. Turn the bristles against the gum line and brush gently. Use small, circular motions. Brush the front, back, and top of each tooth.

Brush and floss your teeth every day.

* If you wear false teeth, keep them clean.
* Call your dentist right away if you have problems with your teeth and gums.
* Call your dentist if you have red, sore, or bleeding gums; gums that are pulling away from your teeth; a sore tooth that could be infected; or soreness from your dentures.
* Get your teeth cleaned and your gums checked by your dentist twice a year.
* If your dentist tells you about a problem, take care of it right away.
* Be sure your dentist knows that you have diabetes.
* If you smoke, talk with your doctor about ways to quit smoking.