A new report published in ScienceDaily (December 23, 2008), suggests that treating gum disease in patients who have diabetes with procedures such as cleanings and periodontal scaling is linked to 10 to 12 percent lower medical costs per month.
In periodontal disease, the body reacts to the bacteria causing the gum infection by producing proteins or chemicals called inflammatory mediators. Ulcers and open sores in the gums become passageways for these proteins and for the bacteria themselves to enter the body’s blood circulation. These inflammatory mediators, as well as some parts of the bacteria, prevent the body from effectively removing glucose, or sugar, from the blood.
The higher level of blood sugar is known as poor diabetes control. Poor diabetes control leads to serious diabetes complications such as vision disorders, cardiovascular and kidney disease and amputations, among others.
Cleanings and other non-surgical periodontal treatment remove the harmful bacteria, helping to prevent the body from producing those harmful chemicals that can enter the systemic circulation and contribute to poorer diabetes control.
Blue Care Network provided researcher’s data from 2,674 patients aged 18 to 64 who were enrolled in BCN between 2001 and 2005 and had at least 12 consecutive months of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical coverage. Insured adults with diabetes who received routine periodontal treatment, such as dental cleanings and scaling, had significantly lower medical care costs than those who did not. These results could be meaningful to individuals, employers, health care providers and insurers.
The study showed that medical care costs decreased by an average of 11 percent per month for patients who received one or two periodontal treatment procedures annually compared to those who received none. For patients receiving three or four annual treatments, costs decreased nearly 12 percent.
The study also showed that combined medical and pharmaceutical monthly costs were 10 percent lower for patients who received one or two periodontal procedures annually.
The results provide additional evidence supporting a beneficial role for periodontal treatment in improving overall health for people with diabetes. The findings could fuel changes in policies and practices for diabetes patients and their insurers.
For more information on the overall health benefits of oral hygiene, please contact A Unique Dental Experience® at 661-254-4000, or visit www.drdell.com .