Gum Treatment May Reduce Medical Costs for Diabetics
New studies have shown that receiving treatment for gum disease may lower medical costs for diabetic patients. The study compared medical costs for diabetic patients with periodontal disease who received treatment for their gum disease and those who did not receive treatment for three years. Roughly 1.7 million individuals were included in the data set.
The study was interested in analyzing how periodontal treatment would affect the need and costs associated with physician visits, hospital admissions, and overall cost of medical care in diabetics.
The results of the study showed that the diabetic patients who received periodontal treatment experienced a significant decrease in the cost of their medical care. These costs were reduced by about $1,800 per year. These patients were also hospitalized 33% less than the people with diabetes that did not receive periodontal therapy. Physician’s visits also decreased by 13% when diabetic patients treated their periodontal disease.
In 2011, there were more than 25.8 million adults and children living with diabetes. By treating gum disease, not only may people with diabetes decrease their medical costs associated with the condition, they may also improve their health. Periodontal disease has been associated with diabetes, cancer, stroke, and other systemic illnesses.
To treat your periodontal disease, you will need to see a periodontal specialist. In the Detroit area, Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates are the premier periodontists to treat you. Please call us at 248-357-3100 to make an appointment.