Albertville, AL
Saving thousands of dollars a year could be as simple as treating your gum disease. Recent research shows that treating gum disease leads to lower healthcare expenses and hospitalizations among pregnant women — who, with gum disease, are more likely to experience preterm birth — and people with common-but-chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart/coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis and stroke/cerebral vascular disease. On a scale from gingivitis to periodontitis, almost everyone has had some level of gum disease at some point in their lives. In fact, it’s estimated that about half of all Americans over the age of 30 currently have periodontitis. That number jumps to 70 percent after the age of 65. Countless studies have shown a correlation between oral health and chronic diseases. But now that research is narrowing to examine gum disease, specifically: its impact on chronic illness — and patient wallets.
Studies show that if you have gum disease and are pregnant or suffer from one of the aforementioned health problems, chances are you would save thousands of dollars a year in healthcare costs, including hospitalizations, simply by treating your gum disease.
Here are the statistics:
- Type 2 Diabetes — Research has long linked gum disease with poor blood-sugar control in diabetic patients. If you have type 2 diabetes, expect to save $2,840 a year in healthcare costs — and cut your risk of hospitalization by nearly 40 percent — if you have your gum disease treated.
- Coronary artery/heart disease — Scientists have noted the correlation between gum disease and vascular disease for years; they hypothesize that bacteria from periodontal disease enter the bloodstream, causing blood clots to form. If you suffer from heart/coronary artery disease, you could save $5,681 in healthcare costs a year by treating your gum disease.
- Cerebral vascular disease/stroke — If you suffer from cerebral vascular disease but have your gum disease treated, you could save $1,090 a year in healthcare costs.
- Pregnancy — Expectant mothers with gum disease are at greater risk of experiencing a preterm birth. Treating gum disease could help you protect your child’s health while saving $2,433 in healthcare costs during pregnancy.
Long story short: it could be dentists, after all, who save your life — or at least save your pocketbook! Our Albertville family dentists say gum disease, which can wreak big havoc on a person’s health, starts small and simple: with a buildup of ignored plaque on the teeth. This is why healthy oral care habits are important. Brushing twice a day, flossing once and having two professional cleanings each year should ward off plaque and tartar building to the point that they start turning into gum disease.
Gum disease treatment in Albertville, Alabama
Are you curious about the condition of your gums? Are they irritated, swollen or bleeding when you brush? With advances in technology and dental equipment, it’s easier now than ever for our Albertville family dentists to treat even the most advanced cases of periodontitis. If you think your gums and teeth may need a deep clean, or if it’s time for your checkup and routine cleaning to prevent gum disease, call our Wall Street Dentistry office at (256) 400-2783 or schedule an appointment online today.
