• Gums that bleed easily

• Red, swollen or tender gums

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

• Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums

are pressed

• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth

• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating from

other teeth

• Any change in the way your teeth t together

when you bite

• Any change in the t of partial dentures

See your dentist immediately if you notice:

fact:

Diabetes is the

leading cause

of death

Diabetes affects over 30 million Americans each

year. It is the 7

leading cause of death

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may

know that this disease can cause problems with your

eyes, nerves, kidneys and heart, as well as other parts

of your body. Diabetes can lower your resistance to

infection and can slow the healing process.

The most common Oral Health problems

linked with diabetes:

• Tooth decay

• Gum disease

• Salivary gland problems

• Fungal infections

• Oral inammatory tissue disease

• Delayed healing from infections

• Altered taste

Gum Disease is often linked to the control of

diabetes. For example, patients with poor blood sugar

control appear to develop gum disease more often and

more severely. They lose more teeth than people who

have good control of their diabetes.

Diabetes and Oral

Health Prevention

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fact:

Practicing proper

oral health hygiene

and diet safeguards

you from the effects

of diabetes

Prevention lowers the risks of diabetes

If you have not been seeing a dentist regularly,

it is crucial

that you do. Your dentist can

help inform you how

diabetes affects your

oral health. Also, by

practicing daily

proper oral health hygiene and following a nutrition plan

you will preserve your health.

Follow a proper oral health plan

Visit your dentist for cleanings. Seeing your dentist

regularly allows your dentist to check for and remove any

bacterial infections or swelling before they lead to more

serious health problems.

A healthy diet plan that avoids

fructose-based processed foods

and drinks can dramatically

reduce the effects of diabetes

What you can do:

Get your diet in check

Follow your doctor’s diet and exercise advice.

Consider eating 5 smaller meals per day, and

follow the same eating time schedule to prevent

insulin spikes.

Avoid processed foods/drinks with fructose-based

sugars.

Daily oral health hygiene

Brush your teeth 2X day for 2 minutes. After meals,

rinse your mouth with water to prevent plaque

from forming on your teeth and gums.

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