Gum Sleuths Find Sick Mouths Play Role in Deadly Diseases

[xchrom]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-06/gum-sleuths-find-sick-mouths-a-factor-in-deadly-diseases.html

Bacteria-laden mouths and bleeding gums are giving medical researchers plenty to think about.

Turns out gum disease is associated with a greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and even pregnancy complications. And a study released last week found evidence that bacteria linked to gingivitis traveled to brains afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease, hinting at a role in dementia.

As the latest research deepens scientists’ understanding of the link between dental health and disease, the potential implications are coming into focus. Something as simple as treating gum disease, a neglected, often painless condition, could limit damage from some of the world’s most widespread and costly illnesses. About half of all adults have some form of gum disease, says Iain Chapple, a professor of periodontology at the University of Birmingham in England. That shows the potential impact of healthier mouths, he said.

“Even if it’s just going to delay onset of arthritis or cardiovascular disease, if you add it up in fiscal terms, the savings would be huge,” said Chapple, who co-led a recent review of research on gum disease’s links with diabetes.

[Nay]

1. The first step should be to add all dental matters to every health insurance plan.

Why certain parts of the body (teeth, eyes) are considered separately insurable parts from the rest of the body is something I've never understood.

[leftyladyfrommo]

2. Yea. Me, either.

Having to have a tooth fixed is pretty much a health issue. Keeping your teeth fixed is pretty important for overall health.

So many dental policies consider crowns a cosmetic procedure. I guess you are supposed to just have the teeth pulled and the insurance pays for extractions - which is a whole lot cheaper.

And people can't get along without glasses. You can't do anything if you can't see. Maybe they could cover it and put a cap on the cost of the frames or something so you could get glasses but not the designer kind.