Pearly whites protect health?
November 15, 2012
DIABETICS with gum disease who
receive treatment can significantly
lower their out of pocket expenses
for medicines, according to a new
US study.
Conducted by researchers at
United Concordia Dental and the
University of Pennsylvania, the oral
health study looked at 1.7 million
US patients over a three year
period and found that after seven
dental treatments for gum disease,
patients saved around US$1,477
per annum on medication costs
compared to those who did not
seek dental assistance.
The study followed research in March
which looked at the same patient
group and found diabetics who
received regular dental treatments
spent US$1,814 less yearly on
hospitalisations and doctor visits.
Looking at the breakdown of the
March research, diabetics who
received gum disease treatment
had 33% less hospitilisation rates,
and paid 13% less visits to their GPs.
“When you look at the study’s
sheer size and scope, as well as its
statistical significance, it is clear the
results are no fluke – when
diabetics have their periodontal
disease treated, it not only helps
them become healthier, it also helps
them and their employers save
money in the long run,” said James
Bramson, DDS Chief Dental Officer.
Meanwhile, speaking out in the
wake of the findings United
Concordia’s Dental Director, Jim
Bramson said “annual health care
savings of more than US$3,200 are
possible when you combine the
medical and pharmacy savings for
individuals with diabetes (who) are
treated for gum disease”.
Bramsom went further to
highlight the importance of dental
health to overall health.
“If we can mirror this study with
those other diseases, we should be
able to show some significant
health savings there, as well, which
would broaden the argument for
why it makes sense to treat
someone’s periodontal disease
across a variety of different
conditions,” he said.
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