How Can You Protect Your Teeth and Gums?
Harmful germs attack the teeth and gums when plaque builds up. You can
stop plaque build-up and prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing
carefully every day.
Check Your Work. Dental plaque is hard to see unless it is stained. Plaque
can be stained by chewing red "disclosing tablets" sold at grocery
stores and drug stores or by using a cotton swab to smear green food coloring
on the teeth. The color left on the teeth shows where there is still plaque. Extra flossing and brushing will remove this plaque.
Dental Check-ups. People with diabetes should have dental check-ups at
least every 6 months, or more often if recommended by their dentist. Be
sure to tell your dentist you have diabetes. Frequent dental check-ups
are needed to find problems early when treatment is most effective. See
your dentist as soon as possible if you have any problem with your teeth
or mouth.
Preventing or controlling gum disease depends on teamwork. The best defense
against this complication of diabetes is good blood sugar control, combined
with daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups.
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