Summary

“For more than a decade, a body of scientific study has developed, which has identified a relationship between oral health and overall health. These studies have focused on the correlation between chronic oral infection and inflammation (periodontal or gum disease) and several medical conditions: diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, pregnancy, and some cancers.”

“In fact, 120 disease symptoms can be detected in the mouth by a dentist and one of two people in the United States has some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is the most significant dental disease affecting adults and the severity increases with age. More than 75% of people >35 are known to be affected by some type of periodontal disease.”

“A recent 2-year study by the Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine found that patients with earlier periodontal treatment had medical care costs that were lower by:

• Sixteen percent annually for patients with heart disease
• Nine percent annually for patients with diabetes
• Eleven percent annually for patients with stroke”

 
Excerpt from “A Healthy Mouth Contributes to Overall Health” in Dental Abstracts “Dental Benefits — A New Value Proposition” by Joseph V. Errante, D.D.S.