Healthy Teeth
Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
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Get a dental exam once a year or more
often if your dentist says you need it. At
your exam, your dentist or dental
hygienist can:
•
Explain how diabetes affects your teeth
and gums and check for problems, like
cavities or gum disease.
•
Treat any problems you have with your
teeth or gums.
•
Teach you how to check for signs of gum
disease at home (see next pag e).
•
Provide care, like a fluoride treatment, to
keep your mouth healthy.
•
Tell you how to treat problems, such as
dry mouth.
■
Work with your dentist to create a health
plan for your teeth.
•
Ask your dentist how to take care of your
teeth at home and how often to come in
for a dental visit.
•
Ask what to do if you start having
problems with your teeth or gums.
•
Ask your dentist to send your exam results
to your other doctors after every visit.
•
Be sure to keep your next dentist
appointment!
■
Take care of your teeth at home.
•
Brush with a so ft - b rist led toothbrush
two times a day or m o re.
•
Use toothpaste with fluoride and floss
once a d ay.
•
Check your mouth for red or swollen
gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, a
change in how your bite feels, or bad
breat h.
•
Visit a dentist if you think you have
gum disease.
•
Limit food and drinks that are high
in sug ar.
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion