Preventing Dental Problems

•  Keep your blood glucose in control.

•  Brush your teeth often.

•  Floss your teeth daily.

•  Get annual dental exams--(even if you have dentures)

•  Get you teeth cleaned and checked at your dentist's office at least every 6 months

•  To help keep bacteria from growing on your toothbrush, rinse it after each brushing and store it upright with the bristles at the top

•  Get a new toothbrush at least every 3 months.

•  Each time you make a visit, remind your dentist that you have diabetes.

•  Plan dental visits so they don't change the times you take your insulin and meals

•  Don't skip a meal or diabetes medicine before your visit.

Other Key Preventive Measures:

•  Get annual eye exams

•  Get annual foot exams