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  For over 100 years, AzDA has been your trusted dental resource 

dentist and patient

Think of the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) as your starting point in learning about taking care of your oral health. We’re you’re official source (since 1909), and we’re here to help you! Whether you’re looking for: a referral to a local dentist, information on dentistry and oral health, community event volunteer opportunities or advice on a situation involving your dental care, AzDA is your first stop. When Arizona residents think of dentistry, they think of AzDA. 


Are you looking for a dentist? Consider an AzDA member dentist. 

AzDA members are bound by the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the American Dental Association, the Arizona Dental Association By-Laws, the Arizona Dental Practice Act, and all applicable federal or state laws and regulations.  Their membership provides them with ample opportunities to keep up to date with continuing education on all the latest dental techniques, technology and products, and engages them in a network of support from their peers and other specialists to help them deliver superior care to their patients.


Many member dentists of AzDA participate in a variety of state and community programs that offer low-cost or free dental services to children, seniors and individuals with a special need. AzDA members have the opportunity to volunteer their time and money to local charitable programs like Give Kids a Smile, Donated Dental Services and Special Olympics, which are all coordinated through AzDA’s non-profit subsidiary, the Arizona Dental Foundation. AzDA and its members care about local communities. They care about Arizona residents—and they care about you. 

 

 

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  Oral health tips for you and your family

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

In addition to seeing your dentist for regular checkups twice a year, there are several things you can do to help prevent oral health disease and help keep your body healthy.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Practice proper brushing techniques, including the use of a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen teeth.
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. This helps remove food particles that your toothbrush cannot reach.
  • Limit sugary food and drinks, such as soda and hard candy. Sugars bind with the bacteria in your mouth and create acids that cause decay.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
  • If your mouth is constantly dry, see your dentist. Your mouth depends on saliva to limit the growth of bacteria.

BABIES

  • Visit a dentist when your baby gets their first tooth or by their first birthday.
  • Don't share spoons, pacifiers, or cups with your baby; this may pass on cavity-causing bacteria from your mouth.
  • Avoid fruit drinks and milk in baby bottles during bedtime to prevent tooth decay.

CHILDREN/TEENS

  • For teeth at risk of cavities, ask your dentist about dental sealants.
  • Before grabbing a soda, sports drink or energy drink from the vending machine, consider milk or water.
  • If a tooth is knocked out and not properly preserved or re-implanted, it can cost thousands of dollars to treat it later in life. 
  • Mouth jewelry often causes pain and swelling of the pierced area, as are injuries to the gums. Piercings may become infected easily and cause bad breath.

ADULTS

  • Recent studies indicate there may be a link between gum and heart disease.
  • Smokers are more likely to have deep pockets between their teeth and gums that can hold bad bacteria, and loss of the bone and tissue.
  • To help prevent decay, eat a balanced diet and limit sugary foods to mealtimes. 
  • More than 30,000 new cases of cancer in the oral cavity and surrounding area are diagnosed annually. To help prevent oral cancer, limit the use of tobacco and alcohol.
  • Teeth whitening can affect your oral health. Consult with your dentist before using any whitening product. 

OLDER ADULTS

  • Eating, swallowing and talking are difficult for a person with a toothache. A toothache could indicate a more serious problem. 
  • Some drugs that treat osteoporosis contain bisphosphonates, which have been linked to a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. 
  • Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, bad breath and other oral health problems. 
  • Many dental products are available to help people with hand pain, such as pre-threaded flossers, and power toothbrushes. 
  • Older adults have an increased risk of developing oral fungus. Denture wearers may develop an inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.

  Did you know a dentist can help identify health issues before they
  become serious?

A dentist can help you see warning signs for other health issues and can help manage existing health conditions.
  • Cardiovascular Disease - Research suggests there may be a link between oral health and cardiovascular disease. Bacteria and plaque from your mouth enters the bloodstream and can impact your heart, increasing the risk for heart disease and aggravate existing cardiovascular conditions.
  • Diabetes - Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, causes bad breath, dry mouth and affects your gum tissue. Instances of tooth decay are also increased because high glucose levels in saliva help bacteria thrive and cause plaque.
  • Oral Diseases - Like other health problems, oral disease can start silently and progress in as little as six months. It's important to detect and treat it early. 
  • Gum Disease - Gums are tissue and bone that support your teeth. Gum disease is an infection of this tissue and is a major cause of tooth loss. It often has no warning signs and is sometimes painless.
  • Tooth Decay (Cavities) - Caused by bacteria, exposure to sugars and poor dental hygiene, tooth decay destroys the tooth structure and is irreversible. 
  • Oral Cancer - Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer. Between 65 and 75 percent of these cancers are detected during dental exams. Your dentist always looks for signs of oral cancer during a routine dental visit.

 

Help Me Find a Dentist

 

  Glossary of dental terminology