Islets of Hope  complications of diabetes

islets of hope home buttonabout type 1 diabetes buttonabout type 2 diabetes buttondiabetes care tips from otherscomplications with diabetes buttondiabetes support groups buttondiabetes resources

Article disclaimer

Edited by Lahle Wolfe

Source

NIH Publication 03-4280 (edited for content)

Fast Click to Comprehensive
Diabetes Problems & Complaints

Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)
Acne
Alopecia Areata (AA)
Gum Disease
Hirsutism
Honeymooning
Skin Tags
Yeast Infections

Fast Click to
Newly Diagnosed
Diabetes Problems & Complaints
(less detail, easier reading)

Acanthosis Nigricans
Acne
Alopecia Areata (AA)
Gum Disease
Hirsutism
Honeymooning
Skin Tags
Yeast Infections

Managing Your Blood Glucose

What are normal & target blood glucose levels?

How often should I check my blood glucose levels?

Any advice or tips for checking blood glucose?

More information about taking care of diabetes

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3560
Phone: 1–800–860–8747
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov

National Diabetes Education Program
1 Diabetes Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3600
Phone: 1–800–438–5383
Fax: 703–738–4929
Internet:

American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 1–800–342–2383
Internet: www.diabetes.org

More Diabetes Information

Diabetes Educators
 (nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other health professionals)

To find a diabetes teacher near you, call the American Association of Diabetes Educators toll-free at 1–800–TEAMUP4 (1–800–832–6874), or look on the Internet and click on "Find a Diabetes Educator."

Dietitians

To find a dietitian near you, call the American Dietetic Association toll-free at
1–800–366–1655, or look on the Internet at www.eatright.org and click on "Find a Nutrition Professional."

Government

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is part of the National Institutes of Health. To learn more about tooth and gum problems, write or call NIDCR's information clearinghouse, the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse (NOHIC), at 1 NOHIC Way, Bethesda, MD 20892–3500, 301–402–7364; or Click Here.

islets of hope diabetes medical library                     back to main "Complications" page

Diabetes Complications

Preventing Diabetes Problems
Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Mini Site Index

Espanol

What are diabetes problems?
How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums?
How do I know if I have damage to my teeth and gums?
How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?
How can my dentist take care of my teeth and gums?
For More Information  

What are diabetes problems?

Too much glucose (sugar) in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes problems. This high blood glucose (also called blood sugar) can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.

 
 

               High blood glucose can cause tooth and gum problems. Image of mouth showing gums and teeth.

                                 High blood glucose can cause tooth and gum problems.  

   

How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums?

Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full of germs (called plaque [PLAK]) builds up on your teeth. High blood glucose helps germs (bacteria) grow. Then you can get red, sore, and swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.

People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often if their blood glucose stays high. High blood glucose can make tooth and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth.

Smoking makes it more likely for you to get a bad case of gum disease, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or older.

Red, sore, and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. This can lead to periodontitis (PER-ee-oh-don-TY-tis). Periodontitis is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. If the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look long.

Call your dentist if you think you have problems with your teeth or gums.

   

How do I know if I have damage to my teeth and gums?

If you have one or more of these problems, you may have tooth and gum damage from diabetes:

  • red, sore, swollen gums
  • bleeding gums
  • gums pulling away from your teeth so your teeth look long
  • loose or sensitive teeth
  • bad breath
  • a bite that feels different
  • dentures (false teeth) that do not fit well

   

How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

  • Keep your blood glucose as close to normal as possible.
  • Use dental floss at least once a day. Flossing helps prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque 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.
  • If you wear false teeth, keep them clean.
  • Ask the person who cleans your teeth to show you the best way to brush and floss your teeth and gums. Ask this person about the best toothbrush and toothpaste 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 that you have diabetes.
  • If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.

   

How can my dentist take care of my teeth and gums?

Your dentist can help you take care of your teeth and gums by:

  • cleaning and checking your teeth and gums twice a year,
  • helping you learn the best way to brush and floss your teeth and gums,
  • telling you if you have problems with your teeth or gums and what to do about them,
  • making sure your false teeth fit well.

Plan ahead. You may be taking a diabetes medicine that can make your blood glucose too low. This very low blood glucose is called hypoglycemia. If so, talk to your doctor and dentist before the visit about the best way to take care of your blood glucose during the dental work. You may need to bring some diabetes medicine and food with you to the dentist's office.

If your mouth is sore after the dental work, you might not be able to eat or chew for several hours or days. For guidance on how to adjust your normal routine while your mouth is healing, ask your doctor:

  • what foods and drinks you should have,
  • how you should change your diabetes medicines,
  • how often you should check your blood glucose.  

   

| Contact Us  |  About IOH  |  Our Mission  |  Elizabeth's Story  |  About the Founder  |  Join IOH  |  How To Help  |  Advertise  |  Privacy Statement  |  Site Index  |

                         

Page Updated 03/23/2006