![]() Provided by the National Institute of Health Tell your dentist you have diabetes and ask him or her to show you how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. People with diabetes get gum disease more often than people who do not have diabetes. Gum infections can make it hard to control blood sugar. Once a gum infection starts, it can take a long time to heal. If the infection is severe, teeth can loosen or even fall out. Good blood sugar control can help prevent gum problems. Keeping your own teeth is important for healthy eating. Natural teeth help you chew foods better and easier than you can with dentures. Because infections can make gums sore and uneven, dentures may not fit right. Be sure to tell your dentist if your dentures hurt. Have a Dental Checkup at Least Every Six Months. Smoking makes gum problems worse. Your doctor or dentist can help you quit. The National Oral Health The National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse is a service of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health. Order OP-09 Copyright © 2002, 2003 Colgate-Palmolive Company. All rights reserved. |



