Sunday, July 20, 2014

Brush Those Pearly Whites

If you have diabetes, you're at higher risk for gum problems. Poor blood glucose control makes gum problems more likely because the disease may weaken your mouth's germ-fighting powers. Children and teenagers with diabetes are also at greater risk for gum disease.

Here are some tips from Colgate and the American Diabetes Association to keeping those pearly whites healthy:

Use a brush with soft bristles and rounded ends. Soft bristles are less likely to hurt your gums.
Make sure your toothpaste is accepted by the American Dental Association.
Tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line, where teeth and gums meet, and roll the brush away from the gum line.
Use short, gentle strokes to clean all surfaces of the teeth – including the backs and chewing surfaces.
Brush the rough surface of your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Brush for two minutes twice a day.
Get a new toothbrush when the bristles are worn or bent, about every 3-4 months.
Floss once a day – if you don't floss, you're really only doing half the job of cleaning your teeth.