Caring For Your Teeth
Good oral health care, including professional cleanings at the dental office, is important to prevent periodontal disease or to control its progression to other health problems. Regular dental checkups and periodontal screenings ensure your overall dental health and identify dental problems in their initial states.

In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing (or using an interdental cleaner) once a day, your dentist may suggest using an anti-microbial mouthrinse or toothpaste to control gingivitis. Your dentist may also recommend rinsing with a fluroide mouthrinse or applying a topical application of fluoride in the dental office to help prevent rampant tooth decay, should you suffer from dry mouth.

Dental Treatment
Advise your dentist about your medical condition before dental treatment. He or she may request a test of blood sugar to see whether the diabetes is under control and may prescribe antibiotics to minimize your risk of infection during dental treatment. Dental procedures that create the potential for delayed healing may require modifying your diet and medication regimen. Your dentist or physician may advise you to change your meal schedule and the timing of insulin dosage if oral surgery is planned.

Several drugs used for dental treatment can have an effect on controlling glucose. Prior to any dental treatment, let the dentist know all the medications you currently take, including over-the-counter products. Be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact the dental office immediately when a problem arises. Practice good oral hygience at home, follow your physician's dietary and medication instructions and schedule regular dental checkups for a healthy smile.

Tooth Decay
Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. After you eat a meal or snack, the bacteria release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in cavities. When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may help bacteria thrive causing repeated acid attacks. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning once a day between the teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove plaque.

Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum) dieseases appear to be more frequent and more severe among persons with diabetes. Because this disease reduces the body's resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be infected. For persons with diabetes, an imparied metabolism may make the gum tissues more susceptible to some types of bacteria. Gum abscesses can develop because the healing process is compromised or impaired. That's why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important.

Salivary Gland Dysfunction
Dry mouth is a common complaint among diabetic dental patients. When your mouth produces saliva, it helps wash away food particles. Without saliva, bacteria continue to colonize. The constant dryness irritates the soft tissues of the moth and can increase the prevalence of tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist may recommend a saliva substitute. Sugarless gum and mints and frequent sips of water can help alleviate dry mouth. Restricting caffeine and alcohol instake can also help.

Fungal Infections
Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection in the mouth, appears to occur more frequently among persons with diabetes, including those who wear dentures. Diminished salivary flow and an increase in salivary glucose create an attractive environment for fungal infections such as thrush, which produces white or red patches in the mouth that may be sore or develop into ulcers. Your dentist may prescribe antifungal medications. Good oral hygiene is critical.