Your gum care belongs
in the bigger picture.
Your health conditions and medications matter when planning dental care. Sharing that history helps us consider your gum health alongside the care you receive from your physician.
Diabetes and periodontal health.
People with diabetes have a greater risk of periodontal disease, especially when blood sugar is not well controlled. Periodontal disease may also make blood sugar harder to manage. Tell your dental team about diabetes and the care you receive from your physician.
Heart health: association is not proof of cause.
Research has found associations between periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions. Those associations do not establish that gum disease causes heart disease, or that periodontal treatment prevents a heart attack. Dental care and medical care each have their own role.
Bring your whole health history.
Tell the team about health changes, medications and the clinicians involved in your care. Bring an up-to-date medication list to your appointment and discuss questions about coordination before treatment.
Keep the next step practical.
Continue the home-care and follow-up plan recommended by your dental team. Ask your physician about your medical conditions and your periodontist about your gum health; this page cannot determine an individual treatment plan.
Prepare for your first visit