Solid Oral Health Tied
To Lower Medical Costs
By: Robin T. Hobbs
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
Oral health care can have great implications for
overall health according to a recent article in
DentistryIQ. That link will not be surprise to those
in the dentistry profession, but the specific data
relating periodontal disease with systemic health
may.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
The article references a national study conducted by
Cigna in 2013 that looked at the links between their
own medical and dental and dental claims. The
study shows a correlation between untreated
periodontal disease and significantly higher medical
costs for patients suffering from diabetes, heart
disease and stroke.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
According to Cigna’s data, patients suffering from
diabetes who received appropriate care from a
periodontal condition saved $1,292 on average.
Similar patients of heart disease and stroke saved
an average of $2,183 and $2,831, respectively.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
In addition, the study showed that individuals
receiving appropriate care for periodontal disease
saved an average of $1,020 annually on medical
costs regardless of whether they had any underlying
medical issue.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
It was found that regular, preventative dental
treatment resulted in 12.5% fewer extractions and
5.4% few root canals. Persons undergoing the
correct periodontal care show a 67% lower rate of
hospital admission and had 54% fewer trips to the
emergency room.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
Cigna’s study showed some insights illustrating
periodontal disease with major diseases. Diabetes
patients are likely to have periodontal disease due to
their increased risk of infection. Diabetes can be
further exacerbated by inflammation in the mouth
that can weaken the body’s ability to regulate blood
sugar levels.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
The study also showed that periodontal disease and
heart disease are often found together and share
many of the same risk factors, including smoking,
poor diet, and excess weight. Up to 91% of heart
disease patients have periodontitis, an average that
is 25% higher than that of individuals without heart
disease.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
With the vast toll periodontal disease takes on both
patient health and healthcare dollars spent, it is
important for dental professionals to take every
opportunity to educate their patients on the
importance of good oral health. Read more at
DentistryIQ.
SOLID ORAL HEALTH TIED TO LOWER MEDICAL COSTS
Thank you for reading!
- Dr. Robin T Hobbs