Care of your teeth and gums when you have diabetes

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Care of your teeth and gums when you have diabetes

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People with diabetes have a greater risk for gum (periodontal) disease and infection.

To help prevent dental problems, each day:

Keep your blood sugar levels within your target range.
Brush your teeth at least twice.
Floss once, pressing the floss against your teeth and not your gums.
Check for areas where your gums are red or painful.

To help prevent dental problems, see your dentist every 6 months. Before dental work starts, remind your dentist that you have diabetes. Many dental treatments can affect your blood sugar.

To help prevent dental problems:

See your dentist right away if you think you have a problem.
Delay dental surgery if your blood sugar levels are higher than your target range. High blood sugar levels increase your risk of getting an infection after surgery.

See the topic Basic Dental Care for general information on caring for your teeth.

Credits

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Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated	August 14, 2007

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Last updated:	August 14, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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