Many diabetic patients are unaware of their risk of developing periodontal disease, but diabetes and periodontal disease are commonly associated with one another. Periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis, is a serious infection in the gums. One of the most common symptoms of periodontal diseases is bleeding gums. When a person notices blood on their toothbrush or in the sink while brushing their teeth, it is likely that they are showing the earliest signs of gingivitis. Any time blood is present as a result of routine tooth-brushing, it is not a good sign. That would be the same as if a person’s scalp started bleeding when they were brushing their hair.

Other signs of periodontal disease include a bright red or purple appearance on the gums, gums that are tender when touched, mouth sores, swollen gums or a shiny appearance to the gums. The appearance of gums is the best …