For many parents, oral hygiene is about cavities, braces and the occasional lecture before bedtime about brushing just a little longer. Heart health, by contrast, feels like a separate category entirely, something managed in cardiology clinics, far from the dentist’s chair.
But for some children, especially those with certain heart conditions, the two are closely connected. The link, while not widely known, highlights the importance of consistent oral health practices as a component of overall well-being.
“Everyone has bacteria living in their mouth,” said Nicholas Dreger, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. “That’s normal. The issue is what happens when those bacteria grow out of control.”
Untreated cavities, gum disease, and chronic inflammation create an environment where harmful bacteria can multiply. Routine activities like brushing, flossing, or even dental procedures can then inadvertently introduce these bacteria into the bloodstream. Typically, a healthy heart and immune system can effectively clear these bacteria without causing harm.
However, children with pre-existing heart conditions face a heightened risk. The presence of these bacteria in the bloodstream can lead to serious complications.
In some instances, bacteria can attach to vulnerable areas within the heart, such as prosthetic valves, surgical patches, or previously repaired tissue. This can result in infective endocarditis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the heart’s inner lining.
“It can require weeks of IV antibiotics, long hospital stays, and sometimes even repeat heart surgery,” Dreger said. “It’s not common, but when it happens, it’s very serious.”
It’s important to note that not all children with a history of heart surgery are equally susceptible. Pediatric cardiologists routinely assess patients to identify those who require extra precautions – typically those with valve replacements, specific congenital heart defects, or compromised immune systems.
Despite the potential severity, the preventative measures are surprisingly straightforward and accessible. Regular brushing and flossing, routine dental check-ups, and limiting the intake of sugary foods and drinks are all crucial steps in protecting heart health.
Warning signs of dental problems that warrant attention include tooth pain, gum pain, and frequent bleeding during brushing or flossing. These symptoms can indicate inflammation or infection, signaling a need for professional dental care.
For children identified as being at higher risk, cardiologists may recommend prophylactic antibiotics before certain dental procedures, such as extractions, to minimize the possibility of bacteria reaching the heart. Dentists generally collaborate with the child’s cardiology team to ensure appropriate coordination of care.
The overarching message, according to Dreger, is the importance of consistent prevention.
“It’s really about doing the little things every day,” he said. “If you take care of oral health consistently, you can avoid much bigger problems later on.”
protecting a child’s heart doesn’t always necessitate a cardiology consultation. Often, it begins with a commitment to good oral hygiene.
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital has been recognized for its cardiology and heart surgery services, being ranked among the Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for – 8th in California and 9th in the Pacific Region, with Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery ranked No. 18 nationally.
More information on cardiology and heart surgery at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is available online.
