DIABETES & GUM DISEASE. When you have diabetes, your chances of getting gum disease increase. and teenagers who have diabetes are at. greater risk than …
HEEL-SSB400a
DIABETES GUM DISEASE
When you have diabetes, your chances of getting gum disease increase There are more bacteria in your mouth right now than there are people on Earth If those germs settle into your gums, you have gum disease Not me? you say Here are the facts:
More than half of all adults have at least the early stages of gum disease About 90 percent of adults have gum disease during their lives If you have diabetes, you are at higher risk for gum problems People with diabetes tend to have more gum disease and infections Poor blood glucose control makes gum problems more likely Gum disease can start at any age Children and teenagers who have diabetes are at greater risk than those who dont have diabetes Just when you thought the news was all bad, remember, there is a lot you can do to fight gum disease: Learn how gum problems start Brush your te 
eth twice a day Floss you teeth every day Look for early signs of gum disease Visit your dentist at least twice a year
American Diabetes Association Website wwwdiabetesorg
Source:
Prepared by: Sharlee Shirley Burch, RDH, MPH UK College of Dentistry, Extension Health Specialist UK Cooperative Extension HEEL
Program June 2005
For more information on health in Kentucky, please visit:
wwwcaukyedu/HEEL
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin
The development of the HEEL program was made possible by Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Lexington, KY and budgeted through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration
Source:ca.uky.edu
