A study performed in the U.S.A., taken on 340,000 people over a 5 year period has demonstrated the savings that are made with regular dental cleanings.*
It showed that regular cleanings and dental care correlated with lower medical bills and lower hospital admissions. Particularly in people with diabetes, stroke, heart disease or while pregnant.
In this study, stroke patients who attended for cleanings had:
• Annual savings of $5681 in healthcare bills
• Lowered Hospital admissions 21%
• Reduced medication
Not only is there an economic benefit, your total body health is also improved by going to the dentist. The link between bacteria that is found in the mouth of people with gum disease and elsewhere in the body is strong.
As well as oral health, Gum disease is associated with:
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
Surgeons will often send patients for dental screening and cleaning before knee and hip joint replacements, valve and heart surgery to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria from the mouth effecting the procedure.
Dr. John Bresnan
* Jeffcoat MK, Jeffcoat RL, Gladkowski PA, Bramson JB, Blum JJ. Impact of Periodontal Therapy on General Health: Evidence from Insurance Data for Five Systemic Conditions, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 47 (2014) pp. 174–182. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2014.04.001Jeffcoat MK, Jeffcoat RL, Gladkowski PA, Bramson JB, Blum JJ. Impact of Periodontal Therapy on General Health: Evidence from Insurance Data for Five Systemic Conditions, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 47 (2014) pp. 174–182. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2014.04.001