BYKIM MILLER, RDH, BSDH
Perio Treatment Reduces Medical Costs
A study led by Marjorie Jeffcoat, DMD, who is the professor and dean emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, revealed that periodontal treatment was associated with statistically significant decreases in annual medical costs as follows:
- Patients with diabetes: 40% or $2,840 per year decrease
- Patients with cerebral vascular disease: 41% or $5,681 per year decrease
- Patients with coronary artery disease: 11% or $1,090 per year decrease
- Patients who became pregnant: 74% or $2,433 per year decrease
- Additionally, hospital admissions decreased by 39%, 21%, and 29% in patients with type 2 diabetes, cerebral vascular (stroke), and coronary artery (heart) disease, respectively.
A synopsis of the study done by United Concordia and another done by Cigna is available by googling "periodontal treatment lowers medical costs." This is great information to share with your patients, especially during a discussion about financial arrangements. Knowing that treating periodontal disease not only lowers our patient's risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes but also lowers related medical costs should be hugely motivating for both the clinician and the patient.
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Other articles by Miller
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Activated Oral Cleanser
OraCare is a prescription strength mouth cleanser dispensed by dentists. It's safe for patients 8 years of age and older, vegans, and for use during pregnancy. OraCare is a two-bottle (16 ounces each) system in which stabilized chlorine dioxide is converted into active chlorine dioxide gas by a complex chemical reaction created and mediated by catalysts. When combined, the two formulas equal 32 ounces of effective product.
True chlorine dioxide is one of the most powerful antimicrobials known. It does not remain dissolved in liquid so it must be mixed and released in a chemical reaction every time it's used. When OraCare's formula 1 and formula 2 are combined, the resulting chlorine dioxide gas is toxic to bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
OraCare's ability to inhibit bacterial growth was tested during a study at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. It was found to not only inhibit bacterial growth, but it killed the following bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus mutans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema socranskii, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, OraCare inhibited the growth of Candida albicans. Since OraCare is such a powerful oxidizing agent, it can also help maintain a white smile after whitening procedures.
According to the manufacturer, OraCare is effective in the treatment of:
• Periodontal disease
• Peri-implantitis
• ANUG
• Viral infections
• Candida infections
• Extraction site wound healing
• Mucocitis ulcers
• Halitosis
OraCare can be used as an antimicrobial patient pre-rinse to reduce contaminated aerosols in the operatory. When used as a home rinse, the manufacturer recommends two to three times per day to control periodontal disease. OraCare can also be used for subgingival irrigation during periodontal therapy and periodontal maintenance. It can be diluted with equal parts water and used in a water flosser at home or in an ultrasonic scaler professionally.
Learn more about OraCare by visiting dentistselect.net or calling (855) 255-6722.
Everyone Smiles, A Dental Health Book
"Everyone Smiles" is an educational global children's dental health book published and released last month. Co-authors Ashley Grisham and Gary Kersey are students who created this beautiful book. "Everyone Smiles" demonstrates the diversity and power of the smile with beautiful color photography of children from every culture around the globe. Reaching beyond racial, gender, cultural diversity, and mental/physical disabilities, this book uses humor and rhyme to deliver step-by-step instructions to keep every child's smile healthy.
Ashley Grisham, who grew up as a daughter of both a dentist and dental hygienist, was inspired by her travels all around the world, where she interacted with children who often broke the language and cultural barrier with a smile. Grisham, an upcoming graduate of Georgetown's law school, will continue to publish children's literary books that introduce foundational and core concepts of law, wellness, and the arts. In response to the lack of dental care among underserved and economically disadvantaged communities, once he completes dental school, co-author Gary Kersey plans to give back by providing dental care for those from underserved demographics.
This book would make a lovely gift for any parent, grandparent, new mother or father. I would also suggest it as a coffee table book for every dental office reception area. You can purchase the book for Kindle ($9.99) or in hardcover ($13.48) on Amazon.com.
As always, email me, [email protected], with your thoughts and ideas of products you would like to see reviewed in this column. RDH
KIM MILLER, RDH, BSDH, is the co-founder of PerioFrogz.com, an information-based website providing free current oral-systemic research summaries and patient education downloads. Kim is also a coach with Inspired Hygiene, delivering customized hands-on training. She speaks internationally, writes articles and webinars, and enjoys clinical dental hygiene. Kim lives in Arizona and welcomes you to contact her at [email protected].
