The Missing Piece to Your Overall Wellness and Lower Medical Costs
New research by insurance giant United Concordia builds on the connection between good oral health and lower medical costs and reduced hospitalizations. This landmark study was conducted through a partnership between United Concordia Dental and Highmark, examining three years of medical and dental claims for 1.7 million members.[1]
Chronic medical conditions are a widespread issue in our country, affecting an estimated one out of every two adults over 21.[2] And, periodontitis (gum disease) is an epidemic of its own:
47% of Americans suffer from periodontal disease at any one time[3]
The good news is, United Concordia’s study found that regular professional dental care can not only improve overall health, but can also reduce your medical expenses and hospitalizations.
What this means for patients in our Sandy Springs office who have one or more chronic conditions or are pregnant is:
If you have a chronic condition, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke or pregnant, it is more important than ever to keep up with consistent oral care at home and see your dentist regularly. You many need additional treatment to keep your mouth healthy, which can help improve your overall health, and keep your medical costs down.[4]
How we make better oral health a part of your overall wellness.
The basics of good dental care are relatively simple—brush twice day, floss once a day and see your dentist. But, it’s also important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment. With over 90 years of experience in metro Atlanta, we have long understood that the mouth is connected to the body, and with better oral care and our expertise, you could see improvements in your overall health, plus savings in medical costs and reduced hospitalizations.
The opportunity for cost savings and better health is significant. Routine oral care helps prevent and respond to problems before they develop into complex and more expensive ones. Without a doubt, good professional oral health care is critical to your overall health. If we can be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.
ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-256-3620
[1] This study shows reduced hospitalizations and health care costs are possible when individuals with at least one chronic condition or who are pregnant receive treatment for their gum disease. Having the study peer-reviewed speaks to the importance of the findings and the credibility of our work.” -Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D.
[2] CDC, The Power of Prevention: Chronic Disease…the Public Health Challenge of the 21st Century, 2009
[3] CDC, Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010, 09/12
[4] Published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine
