Caring for Your Mouth with Type 2 Diabetes

It is important to realize that people who live with or have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes typically have more problems with their teeth and gums than people without the disease. Being prone to oral infections can cause complications for diabetic patients. Below is a list of tips and actions to help patients with Type 2 diabetes make the most out of their oral health care.

Please let your dentist and hygienist known if you have or have been recently diagnosed with diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes it is important to maintain regular dental checkups and to receive professional dental cleanings. Brushing at least twice a day with a soft bristled tooth brush and flossing once a day is critical to proper home health care be sure to pay close attention to the gum line. Contact your dentist immediately if you develop red, sore or bleeding gums or if you have a toothache.

Maintaining a healthy blood glucose level is critical for all diabetics. Your blood glucose level also affects your mouth. Your mouth is a gathering place for millions of germs. Germs love sugar and when your blood glucose is high, the germs in your mouth grow more rapidly. This rapid growth of germs/bacteria causes more plaque which is the leading cause of gum disease. Gum disease can be dangerous for Type 2 diabetics.

If you need to receive dental work, talk to your dentist about taking a precautionary antibiotic to prevent infection from spreading. Diabetics are prone to infection and the mouth is full of harmful bacteria. It is especially important to keep your blood glucose levels in check while you are healing from any type of dental procedure. Talking to your dentist about any changes in your mouth, teeth and gums is critical to maintaining safe and effective oral health while managing your Type 2 diabetes.