Oral Health Connected to Overall Health
Topic: Oral Health and Hygiene
Author: International & American Association for Dental Research
Published: 2009/04/04
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main - Related
Synopsis: Scientists report new studies on the connection between oral disease and systemic disease.
Introduction
Scientists report new studies on the connection between oral disease and systemic disease. A recurring theme is the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and infant prematurity, diabetes, or stroke.Main Digest
Scientists at the 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, convening today in Miami Beach, report new studies on the connection between oral disease and systemic disease.
A recurring theme is the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and infant prematurity, diabetes, or stroke.
Studies reporting on the efficacy of treating periodontal disease to lower the incidence of infant prematurity worldwide may be conflicting when pregnant mothers with periodontal disease are treated with scaling and root planing (tooth cleaning above and below the gum line). While treatment of mothers with mild periodontal disease usually does not have an effect on infant prematurity, the greatest effect has been reported by scientists to be observed in mothers with generalized severe periodontal disease. A higher prevalence of premature births is found among African-Americans than among Caucasians in America or Europe. The reasons are not clear but warrant further study and, possibly, targeted preventive measures, including periodontal care.
In this age of tight resources for care, it was calculated that the treatment of over 1600 pregnant women with all levels of severity of periodontal disease could save nearly USD$14,000,000 (14 million).
The theme continues for the treatment of patients with diabetes or a history of cerebro-vascular accident (stroke). In a single year, patients with medical and dental coverage from a private single carrier exhibited average savings, in medical costs, of USD$10,142 per patient in the cerebro-vascular accident group and $1,418 per patient in the diabetes group.
Yes, indeed, your smile may be connected to your overall health.
Reference: This is a summary of Seq. #325, "Periodontal Infections and Adverse Cardiovascular/Cerebrovascula/Pregnancy Outcomes", to be presented at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2009, in Rooms D229-230 of the Miami Beach Convention Center, during the 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): International & American Association for Dental Research. (2009, April 4). Oral Health Connected to Overall Health. Disabled World. Retrieved September 8, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/oral/oral-general-health.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/oral/oral-general-health.php">Oral Health Connected to Overall Health</a>: Scientists report new studies on the connection between oral disease and systemic disease.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.