People with diabetes are more likely to experience problems with their teeth and gums than those without the condition. High glucose encourages the growth of bacteria in your body, including your mouth. So it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums not only to improve your oral health, but to help control diabetes as well.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on everyone’s teeth. People with diabetes are more prone to develop harmful infections from these bacteria. Besides harming your mouth, infections can raise your blood glucose level.

Simply running a toothbrush over your teeth with a quick swipe isn’t enough. To fight plaque, you have to be thorough. Keep these tips in mind every time you floss and brush:

• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Even better, every time you finish eating, whether it’s a meal or a snack, brush. Use circular motions to gently scrub the front, back, and top of every tooth. Make sure to get right along the gum line, too. Replace your toothbrush at least every three months.
• Floss at least once a day. It helps remove plaque and keeps your gums healthy. Gently pull the floss between each pair of teeth. Then, with a sawing motion, scrape from the gum end of the tooth outward. Do this several times before you move on to the next pair of teeth.

If you wear dentures, it’s just as important to keep them clean. False teeth can harbor bacteria, too.

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