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A Big Plaque Attack
When you have gum disease, germs work to destroy your gums (gingiva) and the bone around your teeth. It starts with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of food, saliva, and germs. Plaque loves to settle at the gum line. There, germs get busy making your gums red, tender, and likely to bleed.
The goal of your daily tooth brushing and flossing is to clean away plaque. When plaque stays put, it hardens into tartar. Tartar builds up under the gum line. More plaque forms over the tartar. Only your dentist or dental hygienist can get tartar off your teeth.
If plaque and tartar are not cleaned away, even gentle brushing can cause your gums to bleed. This is called gingivitis. It is the first stage of gum disease. You can fight gingivitis with:
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daily good brushing and flossing habits, and
getting your teeth cleaned at least twice a year at your dentist's office.
If you ignore gingivitis, the gum disease gets worse.
The more severe form of gum disease is called periodontitis. When you reach this stage, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth. Pockets form between your teeth and gums. These fill with germs and pus, and deepen. When this happens, you may need gum surgery to save your teeth. If nothing is done, the infection goes on to destroy the bone around your teeth. The teeth may start to move or get loose. Your teeth may fall out or need to be pulled.
Diabetes and Oral Health Problems
Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes.
Warning Signs
As if this is not enough, diabetes can make things worse.
Brush and Floss
The three main steps in fighting gum disease are brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly.
More on the Mouth
The most common problem affecting gums and teeth for people with diabetes is gum disease.
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"D" Stories in Fiction
Do the portrayals of diabetes in novels, movies, and TV shows tell the truth?
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