Community Magazine April 2014

112 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Regular visits to the dentist may do more than just brighten your smile; they may also lead to fewer hospital visits and trips to the emergency room, as well as lower your medical costs. T hese are the conclusions of a three-year Cigna dental study that looked at the potential benefits of treated periodontal (gum) disease. Another study, conducted in Japan, found that prevention of periodontal diseases may lead to savings on not only dental costs, but also medical care costs. The research determined that cumulative health care costs were 21 percent higher for patients with severe periodontal disease than for those with no periodontal disease. While there have been many studies showing the potential link between periodontal diseases and other systemic conditions – periodontal diseases have been linked to diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems and clogging of the arteries – the Japanese study is the first to show the direct effect gum disease has on health care costs. The research suggests that patients with severe disease of the gums and bone have higher overall health care expenses as compared to those patients with no periodontal disease. Prevention of periodontal disease may be very important in overall health, and this study suggests that it may also indirectly translate into lower total health care costs. According to Susan Karabin, President of theAmericanAcademy of Periodontology, “Everyone is looking for ways to reduce health care costs. Because of the relationship between the mouth and the rest of the body, treating periodontal disease may be one simple way to decrease total health care costs. If caught early, periodontal diseases can be treated using simple non-surgical techniques which can restore your mouth to a healthy state.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older – 64.7 million people – have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. Whenoneofthenation’slargest dental insurance companies, United Concordia Dental, allows 100 percent coverage for treatment of periodontal disease, there must be a good reason. (Other companies offer about 50-80 percent.) “Recent findings from our landmark oral health study show that annual medical costs are lower for patients who are treated for gum disease,” said James Bramson, D.D.S., chief dental officer for United Concordia. “Plenty of research exists that shows good oral health can impact overall health; however, this study reveals the financial implications associated with treating – or not treating – dental disease.” This 100 percent coverage is for individuals with diabetes, stroke, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as women who are pregnant. Even the insurance companies agree that taking care of your gums will prevent medical problems, and thus end up saving you and the insurance company expensive hospital stays. JACQUES DOUECK DDS Treating Your Gums May Benefit Your Pocketbook Healthy Gums Advanced periodontal disease