We all know that brushing our teeth and flossing regularly is important for our oral health, but did you know it could have an effect on your wallet as well? Gum disease is one of the most common oral issues in the world, yet it can be incredibly costly to treat. In this blog post, we will explore the economics of gum disease and how to prevent it in order to save money and improve your wellbeing. Read on to discover the hidden costs associated with gum disease, how it can affect your overall health and why prevention is worth more than a cure.
Oral health industry in 2023
In 2023, the oral health industry will continue to be a booming business. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over half of Americans aged 30 and over have periodontitis, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 47% of adults aged 18 and over have gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease.
With such a large percentage of the population affected by gum disease, it is no wonder that the oral health industry will continue to grow in 2023. There are many products and services that can help people maintain healthy teeth and gums, such as toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and dental sealants. In addition, there are also many treatments available for those who already have gum disease, such as scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and periodontal maintenance therapy.
The oral health industry is not only growing in terms of products and services offered while dental SEO has become very useful in promoting dentistry industry, but also in terms of the amount of money being spent on oral health care. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Americans spend an estimated $124 billion on dental care each year. This figure is expected to increase to $183 billion by 2021. With so much money being spent on oral health care, it is clear that the industry will continue to grow in 2023.
The cost of gum disease
Gum disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, and it’s also one of the most expensive. The cost of gum disease treatment can range from $50 to $200 per session, and the average person with gum disease needs two to four sessions per year. That means the total cost of gum disease treatment can range from $100 to $800 per year.
But that’s just the direct cost of treatment. Gum disease also takes a toll on your overall health, which can lead to indirect costs like missed work days and increased healthcare expenses. One study found that people with periodontitis (the most severe form of gum disease) had medical costs that were nearly twice as high as those without periodontitis.
All told, treating gum disease can be a major expense – but it’s nothing compared to the cost of ignoring it. Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own, and it will only get worse over time. That means the longer you wait to seek treatment, the more expensive it will be, as patients use orthodontics to treat oral health. So don’t delay – if you think you might have gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist right away.
The health effects of gum disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that nearly half of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that destroys the tissues and bone that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is treatable and reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care. However, if gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to the more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis occurs when the bacteria in plaque begin to destroy the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss. Symptoms of periodontitis include persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and pain when chewing. Periodontitis is also associated with an increased risk for other health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
Treatment for periodontitis involves deep cleaning below the gumline to remove the bacteria and infected tissue. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore damaged tissue or bone. Even with treatment, however, gum disease can be difficult to control, and it may require lifelong management to keep it from progressing to tooth loss.
How to prevent gum disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone supporting the teeth. It is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque that is not removed can harden and turn into tartar, which can lead to gum disease.
Gum disease can be prevented by daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also important in preventing gum disease.
Conclusion
Gum disease can have a huge financial and medical cost to those who suffer from it. It is important for patients to be aware of the economic impact of gum disease, so that they are more likely to take steps to prevent and treat gum disease if necessary. Patients should also consult their dentist regularly in order to ensure their teeth remain healthy and free of periodontal diseases. Investing in preventive dental care now can help you save money down the line – so don’t wait any longer!