Dental problems have a direct link to a condition known as Infective Endocarditis.
What is Infective Endocarditis?
Bacterial endocarditis (BE, also called infective endocarditis) is an INFECTION of the heart valves or the heart’s inner lining (endocardium).
Bacterial endocarditis occurs when germs (especially bacteria FROM DENTAL INFECTION) enter the blood stream and attack the lining of the heart or the heart valves.
Bacterial endocarditis causes growths or holes on the valves or scarring of the valve tissue, most often resulting in a leaky heart valve. Without treatment, bacterial endocarditis can be a fatal disease.
SOURCE OF INFECTION COULD BE:
1.A cavity in your mouth
2.Persistent chronic dental infection in gums and tissues
3.Decayed remnant root stumps
High Risk Patients:
1.Valve defects in the heart which require artificial heart valves called "Prosthetic valves"
including :Homograft valves,Bio prosthetic valves)
These are susceptible areas for germs/bacteria from the dental and gum infections to spread in
the bloodstream resulting in-Infective Endocarditis
2.Previous history of Endocarditis
3.Unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease
including patients with palliative shunts and conduits
4.Congenital heart disease repaired with surgery or with a transcatheter device
5.Repaired congenital heart disease with defects.
If you are in the High Risk Group please follow the following guidelines and contact your Dentist:
1.Take antibiotic prophylaxis as advised by your dentist(recommended by American Heart Association) for all dental issues that involve
a.manipulation of gingival tissue
b.periapical(root) infections of your teeth
c.perforation of oral mucosa(extractions,minor surgeries)
HEALTH IS WEALTH - Guidelines recommended by AHA
Get a regular Dental check up done
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For more information and care:
Dr.Sreenita Chowdhury
sreenita28@gmail.com
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