..Heart and Teeth –
what’s the connection

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How about this: 'Did you know that your next visit to the dentist could prevent a heart attack?'

Medical researchers have known for years now that there's a definite link between dental problems(i.e. gingivitis) and persons' risk for a heart disease. Evidence is mounting, however, that information gleaned from a routine panoramic dental X-rays - wide angle frontal images --taken to establish the baseline condition of teeth and surrounding bone-- may serve as an accurate early-warning system of risk of dying from heart attack or stroke.

According to researchers at the University of Buffalo School of Dental medicine, a study of 818 teeth and jaw x-rays of Pima Indians in Arizona found that those who had a build-up of calcified plaque in the carotid arteries were twice as likely to die from heart attack or stroke. Normally, calcified plaque is present in only about 3 percent of the general population.

An earlier study of 2,700 dental patients showed calcium deposits on each side of the carotid arteries can be spotted in x-rays of the teeth and jaw bone.

It makes sense that the dental x-rays would see the carotid artery --which carries blood from the heart to the brain and back-- so dentists should be aware that it is screening tool for cardiovascular disease. If they see signs of calcification in dental x-rays, they tell the patient to see his or her doctor ASAP.

BOTTOM LINE: Don’t wait and try to save your money. Your life and your health is much more precious, not only to you but to those who love you. Dentistry is one of the key aspects in subject of your health.



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