Share of Cost – Mental Health and Gum Disease
Studies link gum disease to mental health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gum, or periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two most serious conditions affecting dental health. According to a new study by researchers in the U.K, the impact of periodontal disease may extend well beyond the mouth, increasing the risk of a range of serious health conditions. The study finds that poor gum health is associated with a rise in mental health conditions, as well as autoimmune, cardiovascular, and cardiometabolic diseases. The CDC notes that nearly half, 47.2%, of people older than 30 have some form of periodontal disease. For people 65 and older, that figure increases to 70.1%.