I know IF you already HAVE heart disease there are concerns regarding premedication before dental work because of bacteria entering the blood stream and lodging itself in the valves of the heart.

However, is there also a reverse type of link?

Can you develop heart problems if you have a lot of dental decay or bad teeth or gum problems, etc.?

Anyone?

Yes, you can. the infection, which is in the tissues of the mouth can enter blood stream and in turn effect the heart. I will try to get a link for you.

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[This message has been edited by Well-come (edited 02-19-2003).]

Merrida - I'm not sure, but I think the ones who really need to be careful when it comes to dental procedures are people that have previously had endocarditis. When they go for certain types of dental procedures, they should take antibiotics BEFORE the dental work is done.

I'm not sure if endocarditis is what you were referring to, but I thought that it might be, because you mentioned heart valves.....and I know that endocarditis can cause problems with the valves.



[This message has been edited by MMMarie (edited 02-19-2003).]

Merrida
My periodontist told me that gum diease can cause heart problems and premature births. The diease clogs the arteries, not sure how it causes premature births.

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Sher

I was aware of the situations such as MVP which require you to be premedicated, but that's because you have a pre-existing heart condition making you more susceptible.

But I was wondering more about how in an otherwise healthy person, could dental problems, such as extensive decay, gum disease, poor oral hygeine, extensive dental work (ie: lots of trauma), improper dental care, etc., can that dental situation (being the primary) actually cause, contribute to, exacerbate, etc., a heart condition?

This is separate from the point of how people who HAVE heart problems need to use special care with dental visits ---- this is more like the reverse of that, wondering if the oral stuff can, itself, cause heart problems.

I'd think that almost anyone who has ever eaten crunchy foods or anything fibrous or aggressive, or if they've brushed hard, stuff like that,... then they too would force oral bacteria into the blood stream which would of course get to their hearts too.

See where I'm heading? Like,...is there more to it, or are there other circumstances to consider, and if there IS a direct link with oral health (first) leading to heart problems (secondary), then what are the particulars?

Thanks all.



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Life isn't what happens to you -- it's how you react to it!

Thoughts don't make us who we are -- Actions do.

Merrida
I had a pamplet that the periodontist gave me that explained it all. How gum diease cause heart probelms. Maybe go to a periodontist office and ask for one.

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Sher