Health Xoops

For residents in Phoenix, dentist visits are an excellent way to prevent common oral problems caused by bad oral hygiene. Routine check-ups also ensure that basic procedures such as teeth cleaning and fillings are performed on patients before minor dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease get worse. However, not a lot of people are aware that regular visits to their dentist can also minimize their risk for heart diseases and stroke.

Research conducted by Phoenix dentists have revealed that tooth decay and periodontal diseasecan affect a patient’s overall health and may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke if left untreated. According to them, individuals with tooth decay and periodontal disease are also more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those with healthy teeth.

Tooth decay results in the damage of teeth due to bacteria that is present in plaque. The bacteria affect the teeth by extracting sugar from food particles, converting them into lactic acid, and then storing them in cavities. In some cases, the bacteria can cause clots in the arteries and get released into a patient’s bloodstream, which could induce mild to fatal heart attacks.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizonans have a higher rate of oral disease then the national average. This can be due to the limited access the low-income populace, minorities, elderly, and rural residents have to dental services. In fact, there are only 38 dentists per 100,000 residents in the state, as opposed to the national average of 48 per 100,000.

Furthermore, studies have shown that one in five adults in Arizona has never visited the dentist in the past year, and 44 percent of the population doesn’t even have dental insurance. Because of these alarming facts, residents, especially in its capital and largest city, Phoenix, have to find a dentist who can help them prevent or treat their dental problems, as even tooth decay can lead to possibly life-threatening heart diseases.

Patients can minimize their risk for heart disease and stroke by maintaining good oral hygiene through consistent brushing and flossing. Regular visits to Phoenix dentists are also recommended to help prevent such medical problems.

In Phoenix, a dentist  may help patients avoid these diseases by providing routine dental services like monthly cleanings and general check-ups. With these, patients keep track of their dental health, and at the same time learn more about proper maintenance of their teeth and gums.