If you have diabetes, you are probably accustomed to it having an effect on other aspects of your health. One aspect that you might not have thought about, however, is the effect on your oral health. Luckily, taking proper precautions will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy, regardless of your diabetes, so you can take care of the other aspects of your diabetes and overall health.

1. Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels

Managing your blood sugar levels is important for your overall health, and it's also important for the health of your teeth and gums. If your blood sugar levels stay high, you'll be more prone to gum disease and other dental problems. Keep an eye on your blood sugar, and take your insulin properly to help keep your mouth -- and the rest of your body -- as healthy as possible.

2. See Your Dentist More Frequently

You probably already know that it's standard to see your dentist every six months, but as someone with diabetes, it is best to see your dentist every three or four months instead. Since you are at an increased risk of gum disease and other dental issues, seeing your dentist more often can allow you to monitor your dental health and help keep gum disease at bay.

3. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can put you at a greater risk of many diabetes-related health complications. Plus, smoking can put you more at risk of an infection, which can cause you to develop gum disease. If you haven't quit smoking already, now is the time to see your doctor to find out more about smoking cessation aids.

4. Talk to Your Dentist About Your Diabetes

Make sure that your dentist is aware of your diabetes. Not only will this allow your dentist to take extra precautions to watch out for and prevent gum disease, but you can also ensure that your dentist knows how to take action if you have a diabetic emergency while you're in the office. It's also important for your primary care physician and your dentist, like those at Sun Dental & Orthodontics, to work together about your medication to ensure that there isn't a poor interaction.

If you have diabetes, it is important to take good care of your oral health. Luckily, if you follow these four tips, you can help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, despite your disease. Since you have other aspects of your health to worry about, you shouldn't have to worry about having a beautiful and healthy smile that you can be proud of.