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