Gum disease is a type of infection of the gums often caused by decay, though you are also at a higher risk due to genetics. Another potential risk for gum disease is if you have diabetes. Here are some things to know about the link between gum disease and diabetes.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a type of infection of your gums. It can also affect the bones of your teeth. When you get gum disease, it can cause a host of problems for your teeth, from loosening and loss of teeth, to difficulty chewing, misalignment of the teeth, and frequent tooth infections that require treatment. There are also different levels of gum disease, beginning with mild disease to severe periodontal disease.