CAMBRIDGE DENTAL PRACTICE. CAMBRIDGE DENTAL PRACTICE Your Heart is in Your Mouth (Continued) Dr Rosalind Peart Apologies to those of you who read last week's article and were left in mid-air. Only half the article went to print. So we were talking about heart conditions that meant one should take particular care of Prosthetic heart valve. Previous "Heart Attack". There may be residual scarring of the heart tissues. Previous heart surgery. one's oral health. Prior to some dental procedures it may be necessary to prescribe for people with these conditions a covering antibiotic to prevent the possibility of developing a secondary infection of their heart. We all carry a bacteria in our mouths that is similar to the one that causes Rheumatic Fever and has the potential to cause an "Infective Endocarditis" (which just means an infection of the heart) In summary I'm just trying to make the point that poor oral health is not just about teeth and gums but affects your entire body. Taking care of it can improve your quality of life and the longevity of that lifte. Rheumatic Fever. This is more common than you think and many children growing up in South Auckland 4-5 decades ago contracted this disease leaving them with a damaged heart valve. Congenital heat defect. Commonly referred to as a "Heart Murmur". Some of these are very mild and less of a concern but mention it to your dentist in any case so that they are aware you may be more at risk. 9A Anzac Street I (Opposite New World) I Tel: 07 8275079 I www.cambridgedental.co.nz CAMBRIDGE DENTAL PRACTICE. CAMBRIDGE DENTAL PRACTICE Your Heart is in Your Mouth (Continued) Dr Rosalind Peart Apologies to those of you who read last week's article and were left in mid-air. Only half the article went to print. So we were talking about heart conditions that meant one should take particular care of Prosthetic heart valve. Previous "Heart Attack". There may be residual scarring of the heart tissues. Previous heart surgery. one's oral health. Prior to some dental procedures it may be necessary to prescribe for people with these conditions a covering antibiotic to prevent the possibility of developing a secondary infection of their heart. We all carry a bacteria in our mouths that is similar to the one that causes Rheumatic Fever and has the potential to cause an "Infective Endocarditis" (which just means an infection of the heart) In summary I'm just trying to make the point that poor oral health is not just about teeth and gums but affects your entire body. Taking care of it can improve your quality of life and the longevity of that lifte. Rheumatic Fever. This is more common than you think and many children growing up in South Auckland 4-5 decades ago contracted this disease leaving them with a damaged heart valve. Congenital heat defect. Commonly referred to as a "Heart Murmur". Some of these are very mild and less of a concern but mention it to your dentist in any case so that they are aware you may be more at risk. 9A Anzac Street I (Opposite New World) I Tel: 07 8275079 I www.cambridgedental.co.nz