Abstract
BackgroundThere are several previous reports suggesting that the number of remaining teeth is related to increase of total medical expenditure. However, the measurements of oral healthcare conditions used in the previous studies were the number of remaining teeth, and occlusal support was not assessed.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between occlusal support and healthcare resource utilization.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort study using a claims database. Measurements of occlusal support were defined by the Eichner and Miyachi classification systems based on dental formula information. Medical healthcare resource usage was measured by medical visit rate and 12-month medical expenditure.ResultsOf the total population in the claims database, 1 288 713 patients were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients who had at least one medical visit and annual medical expenditure in the best condition classes in each classification measure (i.e. A1 for Eichner classification and Area I for Miyachi classification in both endpoints) were 58.2% and 61.1%, and JPY34 597 (US$314.52 at JPY110/US$) and JPY43 129 (US$392.08), respectively. Those in the poorest condition classes in each classification measure (i.e. B3 for Eichner classification and Area IV for Miyachi classification in the medical visit rate, and C1 for Eichner classification and Area III for Miyachi classification in medical expenditure) were 75.3% and 75.1%, and JPY149 339 (US$1357.63) and JPY120 925 (US$1099.32), respectively. We found a positive correlation with the outcomes by regression analysis adjusting for deterioration of occlusal support with age and gender.ConclusionWe found significant relationships between occlusal support conditions and healthcare resource utilization. The maintenance of oral health or dental treatment may positively impact overall health, and active dental intervention may reduce the total medical expenditure.
Highlights
The national healthcare expenditure in Japan has continuously increased due to the aging of society and the introduction of high-cost technologies
We found a positive correlation with the outcomes by regression analysis adjusting for deterioration of occlusal support with age and gender
Of the total population that was available in the JMDC claims database, 1 288 713 patients were included in the analysis, excluding those with missing information for occlusal support classification who fulfilled the selection criteria (Figure 3)
Summary
The national healthcare expenditure in Japan has continuously increased due to the aging of society and the introduction of high-cost technologies. The measurements of oral healthcare conditions used in the previous studies were the number of remaining teeth, and occlusal support was not assessed
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