Start off the New Year right.... keep your teeth pearly white...

While the winter chill might have your teeth chattering, there are a lot of easy ways you can keep those pearly whites smiling through the winter months. Speaking of teeth chattering, it’s usually related to shivering, the body’s natural response to cold. 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRUSH 

Your toothbrush goes to work for you every day, so make sure you take good care of it and replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles appear worn, to make sure it is cleaning effectively.

It’s a good idea to thoroughly rinse your brush each time and store it in an upright position where it can air dry between uses. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container or covering it, as the moist conditions can encourage the growth of bacteria. 

AVOID SPREADING GERMS 

With the many winter colds and flu bugs, it’s important to replace your toothbrush after you've been sick. Never share your toothbrush, as it can result in exchange of germs between users.

If toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, make sure they are separated to prevent cross-contamination. People with compromised immune systems might consider replacing toothbrushes more frequently to decrease exposure to bacteria.


WEAR A MOUTH GUARD 

If you like to venture out on the ice for a bit of hockey or hit the court for a basketball game, be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.  Oral health injuries among athletes account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits per year, and sports-related injuries account for three times more facial/dental injuries than violence or traffic accidents. Mouth guards not only protect the teeth and gums but cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. 

DRINK LOTS OF WATER 

Make sure to keep drinking plenty of water — fluoridated is best — throughout the winter months. The water will help wash away food particles and reduce the presence of bacteria in your mouth. Staying hydrated also will keep your body producing a healthy amount of saliva, which works to help build and maintain the health of soft and hard tissues in your mouth. 

DON’T IGNORE SENSITIVITY 

If the cold air is bothering your teeth, be sure to get it checked out. Your dentist can help determine if there is a problem or if it is general sensitivity that can be taken care of with special toothpaste. 

SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY 

Regular exams and cleanings will help you prevent problems and identify them early so they can be addressed in the most effective way possible. Don’t put off scheduling your dentist appointment. 

Reference: 

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association. 

Happy Holidays

from the Nylaan Dental Team 

Healthy Smile Series: Reduce your risk of tooth decay

 

Americans consume foods and drinks that are high in sugar and starches more than ever before. Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks — such as pop, energy drinks and juice — all have a tendency to contribute towards tooth decay and send you straight to the dentist.

Sugar on teeth supplies food for bacteria, which produces acid. The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth. Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of them contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is extra risk for tooth decay if your diet is high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet.

Some ways you can reduce your risk of tooth decay:

• If you choose to consume sugary foods and drinks, do so with meals.
• Limit between-meal snacks.
• Drink more water.
• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily.
• See your dentist regularly.

Brought to you by the office of Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 

Have you been naughty or nice to your teeth?

If you've seen the holiday TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” then you know Hermey the Elf is very excited about becoming a dentist. He loves teeth, and he thinks everyone should know how to take care of them.

Here is a healthy teeth checklist Hermey uses so he can remember how to keep his mouth healthy.

Moms and dads, using this checklist can help your kids remember to take care of their teeth, too.


•Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes. Even the boss elf brushes his teeth for two minutes two times a day.

•Eat healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables. It’s not good for your teeth when you eat sticky candy or sugary cookies.

•Avoid drinking sodas, juices and sports drinks with a lot of sugar. Rudolph and Santa’s Sleigh Team always drink lots of water with fluoride in it. That’s why they have such strong, healthy teeth.

•Protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard whenever you play any sports. Rudolph and the reindeer never play games without wearing their mouthguard! 

•Visit your dentist. Just like Hermey, your dentist wants to help you take care of your teeth. Going to the dentist and getting your teeth cleaned is very important. Why?

Because yucky plaque can stick to your teeth and make a hole in your tooth. This is called a cavity.

Hermey doesn't want you to have a cavity because it can make your tooth hurt.

Remember, it’s never too late to be nice to your teeth. A healthy mouth is good for your whole body.

Now that’s the kind of joy that makes Santa ho-ho-ho.

Reference: West Michigan District Dental Society  WMDDS Member Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 

West Michigan District Dental Society Member ~ Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 

Start the new year off right....keep pearly whites healthy all year round

While the winter chill might have your teeth chattering, there are a lot of easy ways you can keep those pearly whites smiling through the winter months. Speaking of teeth chattering, it’s usually related to shivering, the body’s natural response to cold. 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRUSH 

Your toothbrush goes to work for you every day, so make sure you take good care of it and replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles appear worn, to make sure it is cleaning effectively.

It’s a good idea to thoroughly rinse your brush each time and store it in an upright position where it can air dry between uses. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container or covering it, as the moist conditions can encourage the growth of bacteria. 

AVOID SPREADING GERMS 

With the many winter colds and flu bugs, it’s important to replace your toothbrush after you've been sick. Never share your toothbrush, as it can result in exchange of germs between users.

If toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, make sure they are separated to prevent cross-contamination. People with compromised immune systems might consider replacing toothbrushes more frequently to decrease exposure to bacteria.


WEAR A MOUTH GUARD 

If you like to venture out on the ice for a bit of hockey or hit the court for a basketball game, be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.  Oral health injuries among athletes account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits per year, and sports-related injuries account for three times more facial/dental injuries than violence or traffic accidents. Mouth guards not only protect the teeth and gums but cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. 

DRINK LOTS OF WATER 

Make sure to keep drinking plenty of water — fluoridated is best — throughout the winter months. The water will help wash away food particles and reduce the presence of bacteria in your mouth. Staying hydrated also will keep your body producing a healthy amount of saliva, which works to help build and maintain the health of soft and hard tissues in your mouth. 

DON’T IGNORE SENSITIVITY 

If the cold air is bothering your teeth, be sure to get it checked out. Your dentist can help determine if there is a problem or if it is general sensitivity that can be taken care of with special toothpaste. 

SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY 

Regular exams and cleanings will help you prevent problems and identify them early so they can be addressed in the most effective way possible. Don’t put off scheduling your dentist appointment. 

Reference: 
Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association. 

The truth about tooth whitening

One of the questions dentists hear most often from patients is, “How can I make my teeth look whiter?” Today, more than ever before, people value white teeth and a bright smile. And, with a variety of products on the market, a great-looking smile is within reach of most everyone. According to the American Dental Association, “whitening” is any process that will make teeth appear whiter. This can be achieved in two ways. A whitening product can bleach the tooth, which means it actually changes the natural tooth color. Bleaching products contain peroxide(s) that help remove deep stains as well as surface stains. 

Nylaan Dental 

By contrast, non-bleaching whitening products contain agents that work by physical or chemical action to help remove surface stains only.
It’s important to realize teeth-whitening is a cosmetic procedure. White teeth aren't necessarily healthy teeth, and “yellow” teeth aren't necessarily unhealthy. The fact is, teeth come in various shades naturally. Although they might at times become stained, discolored or even yellow, they still can be healthy. Remember, too, that certain foods and beverages can stain teeth.
Coffee, tea and wine are some of these most common offenders.

TALK WITH YOUR DENTIST

Talk with your dentist about teeth-whitening and the best options for you. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective.

Whiteners might not correct all types of discoloration.
Talk with your dentist about teeth-whitening and the best options for you. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective.
Whiteners might not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish hued teeth probably will bleach well, brownish colored teeth might bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth might not bleach well at all.

If you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth, the whitener will not affect the color of these materials, and they’ll stand out in your newly whitened smile. You might want to investigate other options, such as porcelain veneers
If you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth, the whitener will not affect the color of these materials, and they’ll stand out in your newly whitened smile. You might want to investigate other options, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

According to the American Dental Association’s website,
According to the American Dental Association’s website,mouthhealthy.org , if you’re a candidate for whitening, there are several ways to brighten your smile: 
 In-office bleaching: 

This procedure is called chair side bleaching and usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent then is applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used. Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.
At-home bleaching:  

Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard.
Usage regimens vary.
There are potential side effects, such as increased sensitivity or gum irritation. Speak with your dentist if you have any concerns. 
Whitening toothpastes:

All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.

Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.
All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.
Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface. 
REGULAR DENTAL CARE IS IMPORTANT, TOO  

As always, regular dental care — brushing, flossing and checkups — will keep your mouth healthy and your teeth in top condition. Be sure to make, and keep, your dental appointments.

Remember, when selecting a whitener or any dental product, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance — your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association.


 Dr. Nylaan has been a member of the West Michigan District Dental Society since 1985. 

2014 Halloween Candy Buy Back

Our dental office is holding our Fourth annual Halloween Candy buy back and the tooth fairy can't wait to see you!

The Tooth Fairy will be giving $ 1 coin for every pound of candy that is turned in for Operation Gratitude. 

2014 John Ball Zoo - Zoo goes Boo event. 

 
Monday, November 3rd from 4:00 - 6:00 pm is the day.

Every child turning in their Halloween candy will receive a new toothbrush and other fun treats as well as those shiny $ 1 coins.
 
 The candy collected will be sent to the troops in the Middle East as a very special treat through the Operation Gratitude program.
     

Our office has collected 300 pounds of candy annually. More than 1000 pounds of candy has been collected by our dental office since we began working with Operation Gratitude. 

Operation Gratitude  puts together care packages for the troops to put smiles on their faces and UPS has generously helped ship the candy to Operation Gratitude free of charge!

So please, help us show our Veterans that we haven't forgotten about them! 

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body

Good dental health does more than keep your teeth healthy — it can protect your body from larger health issues.

A toothy smile can offer a glimpse into what's going on inside your body. Of course, healthy teeth and gums look nice, but your dental health is also an indicator of your overall health, including your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Healthy Teeth: The Link Between Dental Health and Overall Health

"There are several possible overall health problems that may be affected by your oral health," says Sally J. Cram, DDS, a practicing periodontist in Washington, DC, and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.

According to Dr. Cram, several studies have suggested a correlation between periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, and an increased risk of having or developing the following health issues:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Respiratory infection
• Pregnancy complications

In fact, periodontal disease is a major risk factor for preterm and low-birth-weight babies — pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a seven fold greater risk for these complications.

Healthy Teeth: Maintaining Dental Health

If you neglect your teeth, infection and inflammation can result. These problems may start around your teeth but can quickly spread beyond your mouth.

Periodontal disease results from a buildup of bacteria beneath your gums, the tissue that wraps around your teeth. If you neglect to brush and floss your teeth carefully and regularly, the bacteria causes inflammation within 24 to 48 hours. Then, over time, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating a "pocket" between them.

"This starts a vicious cycle — the deeper the pocket gets, the less effective you are at removing the bacteria, which causes more inflammation and infection, resulting in the pocket getting deeper and more difficult to clean," Cram says.

If the bacteria aren't cleaned away promptly, within months or even weeks, they release toxins that destroy the jawbone, eventually leading to teeth that become loose and need to be removed by your dentist.

Eventually, those bacteria can reach other areas of the body, like the heart, and may lead to the formation of blood clots. Inflammation of the gums from periodontal disease can also encourage the buildup of thick plaque that can clog arteries and lead to heart disease.

Healthy Teeth: Red Flags of Periodontal Disease

Watch for these warning signs of periodontal disease:

• Swollen gums
• Redness of the gums
• Gums that bleed
• Receding gums
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bad breath

Healthy Teeth: Where to Start

Regular brushing and flossing may not be all you need to protect yourself against heart disease and stroke, but they’re certainly a great start. And if you're pregnant, practicing good dental hygiene protects you and your baby.

"Most dental problems are totally preventable with good daily hygiene," says Cram, which means brushing twice daily with toothpaste that carries the ADA seal of acceptance for safety and effectiveness, and flossing once per day.

Regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months — or more often if your dentist says so — will help spot signs of disease early. And early treatment will in turn help you lower your risk for serious, related health problems like heart disease or stroke.

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.

Reference: Everyday health By Diana Rodriguez

6 Horrible Things That Happen To Your Body When You Don’t Drink Enough Water

Experts largely discuss over the amount of water you should drink per day, but no one actually knows the reason for such debates.

Many studies suggest that you should drink 8-9 glasses of water per day. But, what happens to your body if you do not drink enough water?

1. There is a great possibility that you will have to deal with a certain health condition. Drinking plenty of water will help you reduce the chances of getting kidney stones, gastrointestinal and urinary tract cancer, and heart attack.

2. The lack of water slows your metabolism. The function of the metabolism depends on the amount of water you drink, so your metabolism will work faster as you increase the water intake, which is one of the basic rules.

3. You will have to put more effort when doing your regular activities. Dehydration pressures and shrinks your brain, and it will need twice as much time to accomplish the tasks.

4. Increased appetite. People who drink 2 glasses of water before their meals eat 75-90 calories less. This routine will help you lose 5 pounds in three months.

5. You look older and your skin is wrinkled. Water hydrates the skin, fills in the fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a nice and bright skin tone.

6. Lack of water causes mood swings. Dehydrated people often feel weak and helpless, confused, angry and depressive, unlike people who drink plenty of water.

reference: Healthy Food House 

Brought to you by Nylaan Dental Team - Your Total Health is our goal. 

The Biggest Dental Problems For People Over 50

Smile! There’s good news from the world of dentistry: Older American are keeping their teeth longer than ever before and the average number of teeth people retain into old age is increasing, says Judith Ann Jones, DDS, a spokesman on elder care for the American Dental Association and director of The Center for Clinical Research at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
But Jones is not all smiles. As people keep their teeth longer, there are more problems that are likely to arise, which is why keeping up with regular dental visits is so important. Here are the most common problems, and what you can do about them:

Tooth decay 

You can keep your smile for a lifetime.

Yes, people over 50 can get cavities. You can get them on the surfaces of teeth that have never been a problem before, but you can also get them around old fillings or at the root of your tooth. “As you age, the root of your tooth becomes softer and sometimes more exposed,” Jones explains.

The Fix: Fluoride is not just for kids, Jones says. “Fluoride is one of the 10 most important health measures developed in the 20th century.” Almost 80 percent of people in the United States have fluorinated water, but if you don’t, you should probably add a daily fluoride rinse to your brushing habit. Or ask your doctor about a stronger fluoride prescription gel. If you are starting to get cavities, even if your water has fluoride, consider a fluoride rinse. Ask your dentist if that’s right for you.

Water is the best cure for dry mouth.

Dry mouth


Saliva protects us against tooth decay. But if you’re not producing it, your teeth may be at risk. The calcium and phosphate present in saliva prevent demineralization of your teeth, Jones says. How do you know if you have dry mouth? You’ll have a sticky feeling in your mouth, trouble swallowing, dry throat, and dry, cracked lips. You may notice a metallic taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath. You may or may not feel thirsty. Dry mouth is often caused by medications, and as people age, they take more medications. It can also result from smoking or from a blow to the head that somehow damages the salivary glands.

The Fix: If you have dry mouth, you should try to stimulate saliva production. Jones says some people just sip water all day while others find that chewing sugar-free xylitol candies or gum helps. Your dentist may prescribe a prescription saliva substitute or recommend over-the-counter formulations for you to try.

Gum disease 

A healthy mouth leads to
a healthy body.

If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed easily, you've got gingivitis, an early form of gum disease that can progress and be dangerous. Untreated gingivitis often becomes periodontitis, which is when the gum pulls away from the tooth and creates pockets which can become infected. If this condition develops and continues unchecked, it could cause the loss of bones in your jaw and eventually, the loss of the teeth themselves.

The Fix: The best fix for this condition is regular dentist visits, Jones says. You may need to visit your dentist more frequently so that your teeth can be cleaned and your gums treated for the condition. People who don’t have good access to dental care are more likely to have gum disease, Jones says.

Oral cancer 

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancers this year, and more than 8,000 will die from it, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral cancer incidence definitely increases as you get older, Jones says, and is very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. Recently, the number of cases has risen because doctors have discovered that the Human Papilloma Virus also can cause oral cancer.

The Fix: Only about half of people who develop oral cancer survive the disease, Jones says. The best hope for survival is to discover it at its earliest stages—in which case there is an 80 percent chance of surviving for five years. Your dental exam should include a check for oral cancer. Your dentist will hold your tongue and check the soft tissue in your mouth as well as your throat and jaw. If he or she does not, find another dentist, Jones says.

Tooth crowding 

Aligners used to straighten teeth 

Are you noticing that food is getting stuck in new places in your mouth? Or that the overlapping tooth that was cute in your teens now seems to be overlapping even more? You’re not imagining it. As you age, your teeth shift, according to Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., M.S., Ph.D., Past President of the American Association of Orthodontists. And that can be problematic, not because you’ll look different, but because it can make your teeth more difficult to clean, leading to more decay. It’s also of concern because misaligned teeth can lead to teeth erosion and damage to the supporting tissue and bone, Graber says. Add to that the tendency of older adults to have periodontal disease, and you could end up losing your teeth even faster.

The Fix: If your teeth have really shifted, you could see an orthodontist, who may fit you with a retainer, spacer, or even braces. This may not be necessary, but you should discuss with your dentist whether your teeth are shifting at your regular check up. If they are, it may mean only that you need to go to the dentist more regularly for more frequent cleanings.

Reference: Grandparents.com

6 Nighttime Tips for Healthy Teeth

Practicing dental health isn't just a daytime job — your teeth and gums need protection at night too.

When you wake up in the morning, you may want to immediately reach for a toothbrush to get rid of any bad taste in your mouth and freshen your breath. But while daytime dental hygiene is important for good oral health, it isn't enough to guarantee it: Establishing a bedtime dental health routine to thoroughly clean your teeth will prevent cavities and gum disease from developing while you sleep.

Dental Health: Before Bed Counts

Why does your dental hygiene matter so much when you're sleeping? Because if bacteria are present in your mouth all night, they will heighten your chances of developing cavities.

"A good nighttime routine is important because as you sleep, your metabolism slows down, reducing the salivary flow and making the mouth dry out," says Sally J. Cram, DDS, a periodontist in Washington, DC, and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association. "When your oral tissues dry out, they become inflamed and bacteria proliferate, causing gingivitis and possible periodontal disease."

Gum disease means big trouble for your dental health: It can result in tooth loss and even bone loss.

Dental Health: Best Bedtime Routine

As part of your before-bed ritual, take the time to dote on your dental health. There’s more to brushing teeth than a quick swipe of a brush: Follow this routine each night to prevent cavities and gum disease:

1. Brush your teeth right before bed. Use a soft toothbrush, suggests Dr. Cram, because it's gentler on your teeth and gums. To prevent cavities and gum disease, spend a good two minutes brushing your teeth — every nook, cranny, and surface of each tooth.
2. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Your teeth aren't the only parts of your mouth that need a good cleaning at night. Don't neglect your tongue and the roof of your mouth, which can also harbor bacteria.
3. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. You're not just brushing your teeth to make your breath fresh — you're trying to get rid of bacteria and food particles and strengthen your teeth. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride offers the best protection against cavities and weakened teeth.
4. Floss nightly. When flossing, make sure you do a thorough job, says Cram, getting in between teeth to remove bacteria that can pull an all-nighter destroying the enamel on your teeth. Wrap the floss into a C-shape and gently rub it up and down the side of each tooth all the way to the gum and back. Don't neglect your very back teeth, even though there are no teeth behind them.
5. Don't sneak sugar before bed. All that brushing and flossing won’t do any good if you follow it up with a cookie, glass of milk, or other food or drink that contains sugars, even naturally occurring ones, right before bed. If you do want a snack, make sure you enjoy it before you brush and floss so that the residue doesn't stick to your teeth all night.
6. Keep a glass of water near your bed. If you sleep with your mouth open and wake up with a dry mouth, take a sip to keep the tissues in your mouth moist.

Making these six simple steps part of your nightly routine can go a long way toward protecting your dental health by preventing cavities and gum disease. You’ll sleep peacefully knowing that your smile is safe.

Reference: Everyday Health By Diana Rodriguez

Integrated care: healthy mouth, healthy body

Since my first day of dental school some 37 years ago, the significance of good oral health has always been a topic of great importance. Research continues to associate oral health with overall health. Periodontal disease may have a potentially significant impact on systemic health, and the implications for cost of care and quality of life can be staggering.

In 2013, Cigna published a national study, (1) analyzing its own medical and dental claims among other factors, that highlights an adverse association between untreated periodontal disease and higher medical costs for individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

For example, the average annual medical savings for those individuals in the study who had one of these medical conditions but also received appropriate periodontal care was as follows:

• Diabetes: $1,292
• Heart disease: $2,183
• Stroke: $2,831

Findings also indicated a $1,020 average medical savings per person per year for individuals with periodontal disease who received appropriate care, regardless of whether or not they had an underlying medical condition. Why? The study found that individuals who received appropriate preventive dental treatment have, on average, 12.5% fewer extractions and 5.4% fewer root canals. Furthermore, individuals with periodontal disease who are receiving appropriate periodontal care have a 67% lower hospital admission rate and 54% lower ER rate.

Some insights by condition include:

• Diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, because they are more at risk of getting infections. Inflammation that starts in the mouth may weaken the body’s ability to control blood sugar. The estimated economic cost of diabetes in 2012 was estimated at $245 billion, a 41% increase over a five-year period. More than one in five health-care dollars in the United States is spent caring for someone diagnosed with diabetes. (2)
• Cardiovascular disease or stroke. Periodontal disease and heart disease are often present together. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease have periodontitis, compared to 66% of people with no heart disease. The two conditions have several risk factors in common, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. And some suspect that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk for heart disease as well. (3)
• Pregnancy and prematurity. Pregnancy can increase the risk for periodontal disease because of hormonal changes and can worsen existing dental problems. Several studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk for low birth weight and preterm labor. The medical costs that businesses pay to care for one premature baby for a year could cover the costs of 10 healthy, full-term infants ($49,000 vs. $4,550). When combined, maternity and first-year costs for a premature baby were four times as high as those for a baby born without any complications ($64,713 and $15,047, respectively). (4)

As health-care professionals, we can continue to educate patients as to the importance of good oral health and its impact on overall health and even medical costs. Keeping current and thorough medical histories is a key for informing patients of this association.

Armed with research and findings showing the impact of medical/dental integration will help the public understand why going to the dentist is so important.

Miles Hall, DDS, is Cigna Dental’s chief clinical director. In this role, he helps develop strategic clinical policy and is involved with medical/dental integration efforts, including the creation of studies demonstrating the value of integration in improving overall health outcomes. He has been with Cigna since 1996, and has worked in the dental industry for more than 30 years, including private practice. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Dental Consultants, and a member of the National Association of Dental Plans’ PRC Clinical Workgroup. The Cigna Dental Oral Health Integration Program® is offered to all of Cigna's dental customers. This program provides enhanced dental coverage — such as 100% reimbursement of copayments and coinsurance on certain dental procedures — for customers with specific medical conditions.

References
1. Improved Health And Lower Medical Costs: Why Good Dental Care Is Important. Cigna Corporation. 2013.
2. American Diabetes Association by Wenya Yang (The Lewin Group, Inc., Falls Church, Virginia); Timothy M. Dall (IHS Global Inc., Washington, DC); Pragna Halder (The Lewin Group, Inc.); Paul Gallo (IHS Global Inc.); Stacey L. Kowal (IHS Global Inc.); and Paul F. Hogan (The Lewin Group, Inc.). Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2012. Diabetes Care, April 2013;(36).
3. Barker, Joanne. Oral Health: The Mouth-Body Connection. WebMD. Jan. 4, 2012.
4. Thomson Reuters. The Cost of Prematurity and Complicated Deliveries to U.S. Employers. Report prepared for the March of Dimes, Oct. 29, 2008.

Reference: By Miles Hall, DDS; Dental IQ