Self-Management Table of Contents Self Management of Diabetes Nutrition My Plate Fitness and Exercise: Main Page Diabetes Friendly Recipes DIABeducation™ Column Archives Nutrition News Archives Islets of Humor™: Archives Self Empowerment and Peer Support Diabetes Support Groups Financial Resources Shirley's Vegetable Garden™ Archives Know Your Fruits and Veggies™ Archives Know Your Fruits and Veggies - Quinoa Nouveau Food Labeling Claims Walking for Fun & Fitness: Bonnie Stein

 

 

 

     

DIABeducation™

By Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE

Something To Smile About

Brush your teeth! Mom was right. And especially if you have diabetes.

Did you know that gum disease (periodontal disease) is the most common oral complication of diabetes? Under conditions of high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), tissues surrounding the teeth are prone to swelling and inflammation.

Do you have any of these signs or symptoms?

•  Red gums that tend to bleed easily 
•  Bad breath 
•  Tender mouth 
•  Loose teeth 
•  Pain 
•  Unexplained hyperglycemia

Periodontal disease often has no symptoms which may give you a false sense of security regarding your dental health. If you don’t see a dentist regularly (the recommendation is at least every 6 months), your diabetes may suffer as a result with unexplained high glucose levels. This in turn, increases the amount of medicine needed (or insulin required for those taking insulin) to control the hyperglycemia.

How can you reduce your risk for periodontal disease?

• Brush teeth and floss regularly
• See the dentist
• See the hygienist for professional plaque removal
• Keep glucose levels near normal  - (70-120 fasting, and less than 150 two hours after a meal)
• Maintain adequate nutrition
• Decrease intake of sugars
• Take a multivitamin (if approved by MD)
• Stay hydrated 

When is the last time you saw a dentist? Dental care is an important part of health. If you are taking insulin or pills that make your pancreas release more insulin (Glipizide, Glucotrol, Prandin, Amaryl, Glyburide, to name a few), it is recommended to schedule dental appointments about 1 hour after a meal to reduce the risk for low blood glucose (hypoglycemia, less than 70). Check with your dentist about any potential timing issues with your diabetes medication.

With these few simple tips, you can prevent gum problems. And you’ll have the teeth to smile about it!

 

 

 

 

 

 Costa Rica Travel Corp. will donate a portion of the proceeds to and is a sponsor of Defeat Diabetes Foundation.