A new report suggests that treating gum disease in patients who have diabetes with procedures such as cleanings and periodontal scaling is linked to 10 to 12 percent lower medical costs per month. George Taylor, University of Michigan associate professor of dentistry, led the research project to investigate whether routine, non-surgical treatment for gum disease is linked to lower medical care costs for people with diabetes.

In periodontal disease, the body reacts to the bacteria causing the gum infection by producing proteins or chemicals called inflammatory mediators. Ulcers and open sores in the gums become passageways for these proteins and for the bacteria themselves to enter the body's blood circulation. These inflammatory mediators, as well as some parts of the bacteria, obstruct the body from effectively removing glucose, or sugar, from the blood.

Cleanings and other non-surgical periodontal treatment remove the harmful bacteria. This helps prevent the body from producing those harmful chemicals that can enter the systemic circulation and contribute to poorer diabetes control.

Blue Care Network provided U-M researchers data from 2,674 patients aged 18-64 between 2001 and 2005 and had at least 12 consecutive months of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical coverage.

The study showed that medical care costs decreased by an average of 11 percent per month for patients who received one or two periodontal treatment procedures annually compared to those who received none. For patients receiving three or four annual treatments, costs decreased nearly 12 percent.

The study also showed that combined medical and pharmaceutical monthly costs were 10 percent lower for patients who received one or two periodontal procedures annually.
Source:
University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dec. 2008