Eating right, exercise, fresh air, and rest have been on the minds of millions of Americans looking for healthier lifestyles this past year. However, studies now show that good oral hygiene is just as important to your health as a run in the park, an organic salad, or eight hours of sleep.
A study on gum disease by United Concordia Oral Health provided new research on the connection between good oral health and lower health care and medical costs including fewer hospitalizations for chronic illness.
With 47% of Americans suffer from periodontal disease at any one time, new research from United Concordia provided support that regular dental care can not only improve overall health, but can also reduce medical expenses and hospitalizations.
Southern Oregon Dental, (SOD) a local dental practice with locations in both Grants Pass, and Central Point provide reminders to their patients encouraging them to brush, floss, and to see their dentist every six months for a bi-annual cleaning and check-up.
“In addition to having a professional cleaning, seeing your dentist often can prevent periodontal disease and help your dentist access any problems that are beginning to surface”, said Dean Rich, Director at SOD.
The “Oral Health Study” set out to determine if periodontal treatment and maintenance reduced the cost of medical care and/or hospitalizations in members who had gum disease and one or more of the following chronic conditions: type 2 diabetes, cerebral vascular (stroke) disease, coronary artery (heart) disease, and/or in women who were pregnant. Specifically, accounting for the impact of diabetes on these conditions.
The study found 338,891 members who had periodontal disease and one or more of the following conditions: type 2 diabetes, cerebral vascular (stroke) disease, coronary artery (heart) disease and/or in women who were pregnant.
Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., a pioneer in the study of the relationship between dental and systemic disease conducted the research study. She is both a Graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She is also the Periodontics spokeswoman for the American Dental Association (ADA).