Many may assume that there should not be any relationship between heart and your teeth. However, the message I am trying to deliver is that there is actually a strong link between the two.  There is a condition known as Bacterial Endocarditis, which can result form bleeding during regular dental cleanings, dental extractions, periodontal (gum) procedures, dental implant placement and some root canal procedures. 

Sometimes bacteria from the mouth may enter the bloodstream and work their way to the heart.  It presents risk for some individuals with cardiac abnormalities as the bacteria may lead to bacterial endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves or tissues.  However, you may not need to worry too much, as there is a preventive antibiotics that can be used to protect patients who are at risk for developing bacterial endocarditis.
The list below include some heart conditions that may apply to you:
-Heart surgery within the past six months
-Pacemaker
-Vascular surgery (replaced artery) within the past 6 months
-Artificial heart valve
-History of rheumatic fever
-History of heart murmur
-Previous bacterial endocarditis
-Systemic pulmonary shunt
-Congenital heart defect
-Acquired Valvular dysfunction

The American Dental Association and American Heart Association has been working together to develop guidelines that recommend the use of antibiotics prior to dental treatment, based on the medical condition and on the treatment to be performed. 

If you have any of the condition about, or if you are taking new or different medicine since your last dental appointment, please let our dentist know as soon as possible.