Tender, Red, and Swollen Gums
When there’s too much blood glucose from diabetes, the saliva around the teeth and under the gums may have more sugar in it, which can aid in the growth of plaque and harmful bacteria. Plaque can irritate the gums, leading to various diseases, tooth loss, and tooth decay. If the gums are swollen, they can bleed, and diabetes can accelerate its worsening. However, those who manage their blood sugars well are much less susceptible to these problems. There are many cases where those who can control their conditions can avoid these symptoms more than those who don’t.
It’s also relatively common for the gums to start pulling away from the teeth and loosening them. It’s also possible to develop pocket pus or sores in the gums, especially if there’s already an existing infection before the development of diabetes. Lastly, fungal infections like thrush can develop, causing red or white patches inside the mouth that can be painful.
