New research has shown that gum disease and tooth loss can happen early in life among children who have diabetes. Researchers looked at 182 children with diabetes between the ages of 6 and 18 years old, and compared them with 160 children who did not have diabetes.

The children with diabetes had significantly more gum disease, and their teeth showed evidence of what's called "attachment loss," meaning they were beginning to become loose.

The study points out the extreme importance of routine visits to the dentist among children who have diabetes. The earlier gum disease is detected, the more likely it is that teeth will be saved.