Dental X-Rays Can Detect Heart Attacks

Did you know that your dental x-rays could provide an early warning sign of a heart attack?

September 21, 2004 --Medical researchers have known for years now that there's a definite link between dental disease and persons' risk for a heart disease. Thankfully, there is new research which finds that dental x-rays can now detect a patients chance of having a future heart attack.

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.

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: 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, enroll in a discount dental plan that fits your budget (visit http://www.discountdental4u.net for more information) and then go see a dentist ASAP.

Your next visit to the dentist just might prevent a heart attack.

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Kenneth Kowalsky is a 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 e-mail protected from spam bots or via this toll-free number 1-877-534-4808.

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