Studies have found a link between gum problems and diabetes in older patients. These results are not shocking, considering gum disease is also linked to heart disease, and heart disease is, unfortunately, linked to diabetes.

Research shows people with diabetes who have poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and more severely and they lose more teeth than do people with good control.

People whose diabetes is well-controlled, however, have no more periodontal disease than those without.

It's another good reason to see your dentist regularly.