It is estimated that up to 20 million people have diabetes, but only two-thirds are diagnosed. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are more prone to oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those without diabetes. Oral infections in diabetic patients tend to be more severe than in non-diabetic patients. Moreover, diabetics with poorly controlled blood glucose levels tend to have more oral health problems. These infections occur more frequently in adolescent and elderly patients.
