New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Treating Your Periodontal Pockets May Benefit Your Pocket Book

Date:
November 28, 2007
Source:
American Academy of Periodontology
Summary:
Prevention of periodontal diseases may lead to savings on not only dental costs, but also medical care costs. Periodontal, or gum diseases have been linked to systemic health conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.
Share:
FULL STORY

A new study found that prevention of periodontal diseases may lead to savings on not only dental costs, but also medical care costs. Periodontal, or gum diseases have been linked to systemic health conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems.

The study, conducted in Japan, examined the effect of periodontal diseases on medical and dental costs in 4,285 patients over a 3.5 year time span. The patients were between the ages of 40-59. Researchers found that cumulative health care costs were 21% higher for those patients with severe periodontal disease than those with no periodontal disease. Severe periodontal disease, or periodontitis, involves bone loss and diminished attachment around the teeth.

"While previous studies have evaluated the potential link between periodontal diseases and other systemic conditions, this study provides an interesting analysis of total health care costs and the financial impact of having periodontal diseases," explained JOP editor Kenneth Kornman, DDS. "The research suggests that patients with sever periodontal diseases incur 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."

"Everyone is looking for ways to reduce health care costs," said Susan Karabin, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. "Especially those who are in an age category where they are more susceptible to periodontal diseases. 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."

Journal of Periodontology article: "The effect of periodontal disease on medical and dental costs in a middle-aged Japanese population: A longitudinal worksite study,"  November 2007.


Story Source:

Materials provided by American Academy of Periodontology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

American Academy of Periodontology. "Treating Your Periodontal Pockets May Benefit Your Pocket Book." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 November 2007. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127163734.htm>.
American Academy of Periodontology. (2007, November 28). Treating Your Periodontal Pockets May Benefit Your Pocket Book. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 15, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127163734.htm
American Academy of Periodontology. "Treating Your Periodontal Pockets May Benefit Your Pocket Book." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127163734.htm (accessed April 15, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES