Gum Disease Treatment Could Lower Medical Bills

People who have suffered from a stroke may benefit both in terms of their health and financially from treating their gum disease.

Findings from a study supported by United Concordia Dental show that annual medical costs are more than $1,000 lower for individuals with cerebrovascular disease (stroke) for people who treated their gum disease and for those people who did not treat their gum disease. The March 2013 study showed that annual reductions in health care costs between $1,029 and $2,956 are possible for individuals with stroke that treat their gum disease. This study was based off of information from 1.7 million patients.

Taking care of your oral health is not only important for your overall wellness, but it could also save you money in the long run.

Similar studies have shown that by treating their gum disease, people with other systemic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis may also save on annual medical costs.

Gum disease is a disease that is generally painless and most people are unaware that they have it until a dental exam reveals the conditions. A large percentage of the American population have some form of periodontal disease. If it is not treated, the bacterial infection that causes gum disease may gradually destroy the bone that supports the teeth and result in tooth loss.