What is gum disease with diabetes?

There is no conclusive research showing that gum disease raises the risk for diabetes or other systemic conditions. There are studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, or stroke, but saying that two conditions are associated is not the same as saying that one causes the other. It only means that some studies have shown that more people with gum disease experience one of the conditions mentioned above than people without gum disease. This finding could be the result of another factor, like smoking. For example, people who smoke are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer as well as gum disease.

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth in the jaw bone. People with diabetes have an increased chance of gingivitis or periodontitis because diabetes increases the risk of infections. Infection of the gums is common among older adults, too. With gum disease, you might have an acute abscess in the gum caused by infection in the pocket or crevice near a tooth. Such infections, can cause severe pain and swelling, similar to a toothache. The key to managing gum disease with diabetes is to practice good oral hygiene every day and keep your blood sugar levels well-controlled.