In honor of National Diabetes Month, Colgate Total  believes everyone deserves a future they can smile about. According to the Center for Disease Control, people living with diabetes are 2x more likely to develop gum disease, which can greatly affect overall health. What many people don’t realize is that Colgate Total is FDA-approved to prevent and even reverse gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease.

Living with day to day diabetes can be a challenge, but when you have a healthy smile, you feel Totally Ready for anything life throws your way.

Follow these simple tips to help take charge of your oral health and diabetes:

1
TAKE CHARGE WITH SMALL STEPS
Take small steps to transform your life and your health. Walk one extra block before returning home, eat smaller portions of your favorite foods and brush your teeth after every meal. As you slowly make changes, keep your doctor and family informed. They’ll help you keep a positive attitude and on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

2
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR AND YOUR DENTIST
Your doctor plays an integral role in helping you to manage your diabetes health, but your dentist is important, too. Make sure your doctor and your dentist know how to contact each other and are sharing information so they can work together on your treatment plan.

3
EXPLORE ALL PROFESSIONAL ORAL CARE OPTIONS
People with diabetes are more susceptible to serious gum disease, so it is important to take good care of your teeth and gums by getting regular dental checkups every six months. If you don’t have a dentist or dental insurance, a dental school in your area can be a great resource. Most dental schools also have clinics where the cost is often lower than visiting a private-practice dentist.

4
TAKE PREVENTIVE STEPS AGAINST GUM DISEASE
Research suggests that the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes can go two ways. Serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control. Also, taking steps recommended by your doctor to control your diabetes can decrease your likelihood of developing gum disease.

5
CHOOSE YOUR TOOTHPASTE WISELY
One simple step to help take charge of your gum health and to help prevent early gum disease is to brush for two minutes twice a day with a toothpaste specially formulated for gum health, such as Colgate Total®, and floss at least once a day. Colgate Total is the only toothpaste FDA-approved and American Dental Association-accepted to help prevent gingivitis.*