The American Diabetes Association reports that 17 million people in the United States have diabetes and that more than 5 million of them are not even aware that they have the disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, than people without diabetes.

When a person has diabetes, their circulation is slower which makes the gum tissues more susceptible to infections. Studies also show that people with uncontrolled blood sugar seem to develop gum disease more frequently and severely than people who manage their diabetes well. Also, diabetics who smoke are far more likely to develop gum disease than people who do not smoke and are not diabetic.

There are many signs and symptoms of gum disease. These include: red and swollen gums, loose teeth, gums that bleed easily, gums that are separating from the teeth, frequent bad breath, and a change in the way your teeth fit together.

There are ways that diabetics can help prevent gum disease. Always maintain good control over your blood sugar levels, don’t smoke, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and always visit the dentist for regular check ups and cleanings. Good oral hygiene is essential in the prevention of gum disease.

If you have diabetes, be sure to tell your dentist and hygienist so that they can detect any signs and symptoms of early gum disease. If the disease is caught early, it can be treated and reversed. If the disease is not treated it can develop into a very serious, advanced stage which includes bone loss around the teeth and is not reversible.