Children's Heart Association
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Children's Heart Association

When a child is diagnosed with a heart problem it is a difficult time for the whole family, we would like to help

Teeth and the heart

 

Tommy Ticker Oral Heath Network
Produced by the Children’s Heart Association in collaboration with Kim Laurie, Cardiac Liasion Nurse, Manchester Children”s Hospital and Jan Clarkson, Oral Health Network.

Teeth and the heart

What have teeth got to do with the heart?

Dental disease or its treatment can cause a disease of the heart called Infective Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart caused by bacteria in the blood stream.

How do bacteria enter the bloodstream?

FROM:

  • Dental Disease
  • Badly decayed teeth
  • Inflamed gums / gum disease

FROM:

  • Dental Extractions
    Your dentist will arrange antibiotic cover to prevent infective endocarditis.

What causes dental disease?

Bacteria (germs) in the mouth feed off sugar in food we eat. The sugar is converted to acid which can cause decay. Bacteria also make the gums inflamed and can cause gum disease.

How do you prevent dental disease?

Control sugar

  • Avoid sugary foods and drinks between meals. Sweets are best given after a meal.
  • Do not put sweetened drinks in bottles for young children.
  • Ask for sugar-free medicines.

Tooth Brushing

  • Help and encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Choose a small brush and use a small pea size amount of toothpaste for under 6 year olds.

Register with a dentist.

Register your child as soon as possible and inform the dentist that your child has a congenital heart defect. Your dentist will then be able to provide the best possible advice and treatment.

Ask for advice about fluoride supplements.

Your dentist will be able to provide plastic coatings to protect your child’s adult molar teeth when they erupt at around 6 years of age.

The cardiac team recommend…

  • Avoid sugary food and drink between meals.
  • Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Register with a dentist.
  • Inform the dentist your child has a congenital heart defect as you need extra advice.
  • Ask for sugar-free medicines.
  • Use fluoride supplements if advised.
  • Ask for plastic coatings of permanent molar teeth.
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See https://heartchild.info/events

News

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  • About
    • Welcome
    • Our branches
    • Patrons
      • Denise Kitchiner
      • Raman Patel
    • Events and Tickets
    • Facebook Groups
    • Website Privacy Policies
    • Safeguarding Policy
  • Features
    • Blog
    • Jake’s story
    • Robyn’s story
    • James’ story
    • Luke’s story
    • Aidan’s story
    • Ivy’s story
    • Photo gallery
  • Information
    • UK Children’s Cardiac Centres
    • Manchester Children’s Hospital
    • Travel Insurance
    • UK resources
    • Other resources
    • Teeth and the heart
    • Medical terms
    • The Heart Team
    • Intensive care
  • Making a donation
  • Join us

Get In Touch



Email
information@heartchild.info

Telephone
01706 221988

Write to
Children's Heart Association
23 Hesketh Drive
Heswall
Wirral
CH60 5SP

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We are a charity based in the North West of England in the UK and provide support to families with children with congenital or acquired heart disorders at all stages of their condition, helping them deal with the problems and challenges it brings.
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