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According to researchers at
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 carotid arteries were twice as likely to die from heart attack or stroke. Normally, calcified plaque is present in only about 3 percent of general population.
An earlier study of 2,700 dental patients showed calcium deposits on each side of carotid arteries can be spotted in x-rays of teeth and jaw bone.
It makes sense that dental x-rays would see carotid artery --which carries blood from heart to 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 patient to see his or her doctor ASAP.
BOTTOM LINE: Most dental insurance plans allow you a yearly dental exam at little or no cost so schedule a complete check-up, including x-rays, with your dentist ASAP. If you don't have dental insurance, consider enrolling in a discount dental plan that fits your budget and then go see a dentist ASAP.
Kenneth Kowalsky is the webmaster of DiscountDental4U.net, a web site devoted to helping people to save money on dental care, including advice on choosing the best dental plan for you, inexpensive tips on easing toothache pain, little-known ways to lower your dentist bills, etc. You can contact him via e-mail at DiscountDental4U@yahoo.com or via this toll-free number 1-877-534-4808.
