November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Cow Creek Health & Wellness has important information about this disease. See the other Diabetes Awareness Month articles below:

• Diabetes and Eye Health
• Diabetes and Foot Health
• Diabetes and Heart Health

Diabetes and Oral Health

Your Mouth Doesn’t Lie

A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that nearly one in five people with severe gum disease may have had Type 2 Diabetes and didn’t know it. You are also at higher risk for gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease if you have diabetes.

Signs of Gum Disease

• Swollen, bleeding, or receding gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Persistent bad breath

How to Manage Gum Disease with Diabetes

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once daily to prevent plaque and food particle build up between teeth and along the gum line
• Not a fan of flossing? Try an interdental device, designed to reach places a regular toothbrush can’t
• See your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams. Be sure to let your dentist know about changes in your health or medications that might affect your mouth

Your dentist can also help refer you to a doctor for diabetes or prediabetes screening