Should I do monthly oral health exams with diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you should pay close attention to your oral health and practice good oral health daily. If you notice any changes in your oral health, such as bleeding gums, redness, swelling, sensitivity, you should talk to your dentist. You should also discuss with your dentist how often you should have screenings and cleanings. It's possible that you may need more frequent visits to the dentist, as people with diabetes are at greater risk for some oral health problems.

Millions of Americans have diabetes (Diabetes mellitus and  Type 1 and Diabetes, Type 2 diabetes). You should check your mouth at home each month.  Are there any changes in your teeth or gums. If you notice a loose tooth or discoloration, call your dentist. If you see that your gum is red, inflamed or that there is pus between your gum and teeth, call your dentist. You can save yourself much discomfort later on as you seek treatment for tooth and gum problems early on instead of waiting until you need invasive procedures or more serious treatments.  Your dentist may recommend a filling for a small cavity. But if you wait until the cavity is large, you may need an expensive crown--or a root canal if the tooth is infected.