Diabetes and Dental Health

The answer is three times.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 50 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum (periodontal) disease, people with diabetes are three times as likely to develop gum disease, according to a review published in 2012 in the journal Diabetolgia. Additionally, inflammation associated with gum disease can raise your risk for heart disease. Smoking makes a bad case of gum disease more likely, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or older.

Red, sore, and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. Periodontal complications range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Regular dental visits, proper brushing and flossing, and keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as possible are all factors in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. More specifically: use dental floss at least once per day.

• Flossing helps prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth, which can harden and grow under your gums and cause problems. Using a sawing motion, gently bring the floss between the teeth, scraping from bottom to top several times.
• Brush your teeth after each meal, and after snacks. Use a soft toothbrush and small, circular motions. Turn the bristles against the gum line and brush gently. Brush the front, back, and top of each tooth.
• Ask your dentist about using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouth rinse.
• If you wear false teeth, keep them clean.
• Ask your dental hygienist to show you the best way to brush and floss your teeth and gums, and ask about the best toothbrush, toothpaste, and rinse to use.
• Call your dentist right away if you have problems with your teeth and gums.
• Call your dentist if you have red, sore, or bleeding gums; gums that are pulling away from your teeth; a sore tooth that could be infected; or soreness from your dentures.
• Get your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist twice a year.
• If your dentist tells you about a problem, take care of it right away.
• Be sure your dentist knows if you have diabetes.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen, and can bleed easily. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which means “inflammation around the tooth.”

The answer is go up

Infections can cause higher blood sugar levels; at the same time, higher blood sugar levels will promote greater bacteria growth, which in turn will make the infection harder to treat. You may require more of your diabetes medications to achieve the same blood sugar control as when you’re healthy.

While dental treatments that fight gum infections also help to improve control of blood glucose levels, your best line of defense is to prevent infections before they happen.

The correct answer is all of the above.

Dry mouth, burning mouth and/or tongue, and gum inflammation are all oral conditions linked to diabetes.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in your mouth. By practicing good oral care, you can prevent such conditions from happening to you.

The answer is all of the above.

Too much garlic, gum disease, and a lack of breath mints can all cause bad breath. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 80 million people suffer from chronic bad breath (also known as halitosis), which usually originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by bacteria from the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth, and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor.

To manage bad breath, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. To alleviate the odor, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum also may help to control the odor. If you have dentures or a removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouth guard, clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back into your mouth. Before you use deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist; these products only mask the odor temporarily, and some products work better than others.

The answer is three to four minutes.

You should brush your teeth for at least three to four minutes, twice per day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Brush your teeth for the length of a song on the radio—the right amount of time to get the best results from brushing. Unfortunately, most Americans only brush for 45-70 seconds, twice a day.

The answer is both 1 and 2.

You should change your toothbrush every three months and after a cold or illness to prevent the spread of germs. Also, be sure to change your toothbrush or toothbrush head (if you’re using an electric toothbrush) before the bristles become splayed and frayed. Not only are old toothbrushes ineffective, they can harbor harmful bacteria that can cause infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

The answer is all of the above.

While the toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth, dental floss cleans in between them. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath.

Flossing is one of the most important steps in oral care that people forget to do…or claim they don’t have time for. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime by increasing blood circulation to the gums. You also decrease your chances of periodontal or gum disease and interproximal decay.

The answer is all of the above.

People with diabetes should look for a toothpaste that offers 12-hour antibacterial protection, protects against cavities, freshens breath, and prevents tartar build-up.

Additionally, your toothpaste brand should bear the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the container, which means that adequate evidence of safety and efficacy has been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials. If your teeth are hypersensitive to hot or cold, consider trying a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Toothpastes containing baking soda and/or hydrogen peroxide (which are both good cleansing agents) give the teeth and mouth a clean, fresh, pleasant feeling that can offer an incentive to brush more, but fluoride is the true active ingredient at work protecting your teeth. Fluoride toothpastes work effectively to fight plaque and cavities, and to clean and polish tooth enamel.

The answer is false.

Dentists recommend the use of mouthwash or rinse as an important addition to your oral care routine. Your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse if you need extra help controlling plaque. In addition to brushing and flossing, mouth rinses reduce bacterial count and stop bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis. Fluoride mouth rinses help prevent tooth decay.