Over 90% of systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are linked to symptoms in the mouth. Many of these symptoms can be detected by a dental professional even before you are aware of them. Bleeding gums, dry mouth, fungal infections, and new decay are oral signs which can alert your dental team to a possible serious health issue—Diabetes. Because diabetes lowers a person’s resistance to infection, managing periodontal disease is not easy, but is extremely important. Your dental team should be one of your best allies if you are among the 20+ million Americans living with diabetes.