For The Grin On Your Face

People with diabetes need to take care of their dental health twice as much as anyone else. Sink your teeth into five simple tips to keep your teeth in good shape.

1. Good oral hygiene has major health benefits.

“Very few people realise the connection between their teeth and health,” says Charles Martin, founder of dentistryfordiabetics.com. “A person with type 2 diabetes is two to four times more likely to have gum disease than those without diabetes. Good oral hygiene can help you control your diabetes.”

Gum disease and tooth problems can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Elevated blood glucose makes your gums more susceptible to bacterial infection and increases your risk for developing gum disease (periodontal disease), cavities, and tooth decay. Plus, it’s more difficult for any mouth problems to heal. “When your blood glucose is high, it’s harder to manage periodontal problems,” says Roger Briggs, D.D.S., of Briggs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. “But if you do manage periodontal problems, you can lower your blood glucose.”

The time you devote to your teeth and gums benefits your diabetes control. And aspects of taking care of your diabetes, such as healthful eating, being physically active, and managing blood glucose, support the health of your teeth and gums.

2. Gum disease is related to diabetes and vice versa.