Heart Disease: Precautions To Be Taken Before Dental Treatment

Periodontal disease can affect the heart in other ways. Some existing heart conditions can put people at risk for infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the heart and heart valves. Those patients with a history of rheumatic fever, mitral valve prolapse, or heart murmur have previously required antibiotics prior to dental procedures. The American Heart Association has recently changed the recommendations concerning the need for these antibiotics and we recommend that you discuss this with your physician to determine in your particular case what measures should be taken in respect to antibiotic coverage.

The American Heart Association has identified specific new guidelines to help protect patients who may be especially prone to problems with their heart following a dental procedure.

If you are at risk for infective endocarditis, our doctors may take steps to help limit the entry of bacteria into the blood stream during dental procedures, including:

• Treatment of any existing periodontal infection
• Prescribing antibiotics prior to the procedures
• Asking you to make more regular maintenance visits
• Helping you to prevent periodontal disease by reviewing proper home care for your teeth.

If you know that you have heart disease or currently receive treatment for a cardiovascular complication, it is especially important for you to have good periodontal health. See a Periodontist for a periodontal evaluation.

Periodontal disease also has been linked to other significant health problems, including respiratory diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and premature and underweight births. It is very important that you always provide us with a comprehensive and accurate medical history, including any problems you are aware of with your heart. Your Periodontist and your Physician can work together to help you protect both your gums and your overall health. As former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop said, “a person is not healthy without good oral health.”