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Caring for Your
Teeth and Gums
Steven V. Edelman, MD, and
Cyndee R. Fena, RDH, MT
1 March 2005
The sixth major complication of
diabetes is periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease, or pyorrhea,
is a painless disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth, gums and
bones of the mouth.
It is estimated that 80 percent of
the adult population in the United States has periodontal disease.
Once you have periodontal disease,
it is almost impossible to eradicate it completely.
However, with the help of your
dentist and hygienist, you can slow down its progression with early
detection and aggressive treatment.
Aside from periodontal disease, the
mouth is vulnerable to these other problems that can affect people with
diabetes:
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Altered taste often affects people with diabetes; it may result from
a change in salivary chemistry, dry mouth or the presence of yeast.
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Dryness of the mouth may result from inactive or defective salivary
glands. Dryness is also a manifestation of poorly controlled
diabetes.
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Yeast (candida) in the mouth is a fungal infection associated
with elevated glucose levels and is a frequent complication of
diabetes.
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Oral neuropathy, or numbness of the mouth, is a rare complication
characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue.
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Halitosis, or bad breath, often occurs when periodontal disease is
present. Bad breath is worsened by dry mouth. Strong breath mints
may help, but they only mask the problem, not solve it.
Ask Yourself About These Warning
Signs of Periodontal Disease
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Do your gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing?
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Do you have loose teeth?
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Are your gums red, swollen or tender?
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Do you have unusually bad breath?
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Do you have tartar formation (creamy brown, hard masses on tooth
surfaces)?
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Have you noticed a change in the way your teeth fit together when
you bite?
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Do you feel pain when you chew?
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Are your teeth sensitive to temperature?
Guidelines for Basic Oral
Hygiene
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Brush your teeth at least twice a day
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Floss your teeth at least once a day
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Avoid harsh mouthwashes
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Have your teeth cleaned regularly
Precautions for Visiting the
Dental Office
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Be sure your dentist knows you have diabetes and what medications
you take.
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Make your appointment at an appropriate time to avoid hypoglycemia
(for those on insulin therapy).
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Bring your glucose meter to your appointment.
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Try to have your blood glucose levels in goal range during dental
office visits.
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Avoid long appointments; ask if a lengthy procedure can be split
into separate visits.
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