Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease in which a pathogenic bacterial biofilm develops on the tooth root surface in a susceptible patient. If untreated, it can lead to alveolar bone resorption, infection, and tooth loss. The deep pockets that are often present in untreated patients with periodontal disease provide a favorable environment for bacteria to proliferate, spread into the bloodstream, and negatively affect other organs, systems, and systemic conditions. According to a new report in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, treating gum disease (also called periodontal disease) can lead to better health — as evidenced by lower health care costs and fewer hospitalizations — among people with common health conditions.
“…successful treatment of periodontal disease might prevent or mitigate at least some adverse effects associated with medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D); rheumatoid arthritis (RA); cerebral vascular disease (CVD); and adverse pregnancy outcomes…These cost-based results provide new, independent, and potentially valuable evidence that simple, noninvasive periodontal therapy may improve health outcomes in pregnancy and other systemic conditions.”
Researchers looked at dental and health insurance records from over 338,000 people, all of whom had periodontal disease and one of five conditions: type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (usually a stroke), or pregnancy. The study shows that people with four of the five conditions (all except rheumatoid arthritis) who had at least one periodontal disease treatment had lower medical costs and fewer hospitalizations within four years of the treatment compared with people who weren’t treated.
Dr. Kapoor and his Periolife team stay on the forefront of periodontal health research and periodontal disease treatment methods. Treating periodontal disease is not only our profession, it is our passion. If you have questions about the connection between your oral health and overall well being, call or stop by our Las Colinas or Keller offices near Dallas, TX. Periolife – Periodontics | Implant Dentistry | Oral Medicine.