How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums?

Teeth and gums can happen to anyone. Sticky substance full of germs, called plaque,* accumulate on the teeth. High levels of glucose in the blood of germs helps, also called bacteria to grow. Then you can get red, pain and swelling of the gums, bleeding when you brush your teeth. People with diabetes can have teeth and gums more often if their level of glucose in the blood remains high. High levels of glucose in the blood can make the teeth and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth. Smoking makes it more likely for you to get a severe case of gum disease, especially if you have diabetes and 45 years of age and older. Red, sore and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. These problems can lead to periodontitis. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. If the infection becomes worse, the gums can break away from your teeth, making your teeth look long.

Call your dentist if you think you have problems with your teeth or gums...