Kingston TN
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the primary cause of tooth loss in American adults. Treating periodontal disease, especially in its advanced stages, can cost thousands of dollars. According to a recent report by the American Associations for Dental Research, total global costs associated with dental diseases, including gum disease, amount to $442 billion a year.
But the cost of tooth loss due to gum disease has an even higher price tag. Today, our family dentist in Kingston who specializes in preventing and treating gum disease is explaining the real cost of tooth loss to a patient.
Tooth Loss can prevent Professional Employment
Our smile is what makes a first impression on others, which is important in our personal and professional lives. Missing teeth negatively impacts a person’s chances of landing a job, whereas a healthy, beautiful smile makes a person appear friendly, confident and approachable. Missing teeth can also impact a person’s speech. These issues can make finding a professional job very difficult.
Tooth Loss can cause Depression and Anxiety
Missing teeth can harm someone’s self-confidence, making them feel ashamed to smile or even talk. More than one study has linked tooth loss to depression and anxiety.
Tooth Loss can cause Chronic Health Problems
Studies have determined that gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss, is linked to chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.
Let’s look at some published statistics:
- Type 2 Diabetes — Research has long linked gum disease with poor blood-sugar control in diabetic patients. If you have type 2 diabetes, expect to save $2,840 a year in healthcare costs — and cut your risk of hospitalization by nearly 40 percent — if you have your gum disease treated.
- Coronary artery/heart disease — Scientists have noted the correlation between gum disease and vascular disease for years. The general consensus is that bacteria from periodontal disease enter the bloodstream, which causes blood clots to form. If a person suffers from heart/coronary artery disease, s/he could possibly save $5,681 in annual healthcare costs simply by treating gum disease.
- Cerebral vascular disease/stroke — Patients with cerebral vascular disease who have their gum disease treated could save $1,090 a year in healthcare costs.
- Pregnancy — Expectant mothers with gum disease are at greater risk of experiencing a preterm birth. Treating gum disease could help a pregnant woman protect her child’s health while saving $2,433 in healthcare costs during pregnancy.
Gum Disease Treatment in Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood, TN
Our dentist in Harriman helps our patients prevent gum disease. But we can also treat it, hopefully before it leads to tooth loss. Even if you’ve lost teeth due to gum disease, we can help. Call our family dentist at LakeView Dental Arts at (865) 248-2199, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
