Industry News

     If any condition could literally be called a "hidden health issue" - or even more appropriate, a "silent killer" - it's gum disease (technically known as periodontal disease).  In most cases, symptoms are almost invisible if you don't know what to look for, and they may not even appear until advanced stages.  It can result in tooth loss due to plaque and tartar building up around the tooth creating "gum pockets", essentially gaps between the tooth and gums.  The deeper the gum pockets become, the more likely the ligaments and bone around the tooth will decay, eventually resulting in tooth loss.

     Gum disease could also be thought of as a silent killer because research reveals a link between gum disease and a range of serious health conditions.  It can begin at any age, developing slowly and painlessly so by the time plan members become aware of it, they may be in danger of losing teeth - and developing other health issues.  For example, research continues to reveal a connection between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-term low birth weight babies, cancer, respiratory disease, kidney disease, and even Alzheimer's disease.

     As is the case with arthritis and COPD, there may be a lot more issues and associated costs in the future than initially meets the eye.  As reported by The American Academy of Periodontology, "approximately three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease - from mild cases of gingivitis, to the more severe form known as periodontitis.  However, despite this prevalence, approximately only 3% seek treatment for their gum disease.  With increasingly more research indiciating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer, maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important then ever."

Taken From Green Shield Canada
The Inside Story - April 2011