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Staying ahead of health hurdles allows you to focus on the things you love. For our patients who have experienced heart valve updates, heart murmurs, or are preparing for cardiac procedures, maintaining excellent oral healthcare is even more important.
What does your dental health have to do with your heart? There is a major link between gum health and heart disease, which is why treating any gum issues is paramount for your overall wellness.
Let’s consider one specific, serious condition called endocarditis. While it sounds complex, it is simply a physical heart infection that frequently begins as a common, untreated gum issue.
How Mouth Bacteria Reach Heart Valves
Your heart valves ensure blood flows in the perfect direction through your cardiac chambers. If you have a damaged, artificial, or structurally unique heart valve, those surfaces are slightly rougher than normal, healthy tissue. With untreated gum disease, even chewing tough food can push oral bacteria into your blood. The bacteria can travel directly to your heart and latch onto the rough valve surfaces, growing into a highly dangerous infection.
Why Dental Cleanings are Vital Before Heart Surgery
If you or a loved one are currently preparing for any type of cardiovascular surgery or joint replacement, your surgeon will likely require an official “dental clearance” sign-off before they schedule the procedure.
Surgeons know that any active, hidden infection inside your mouth can easily migrate to your new heart valves or surgical implants while you are recovering. If that happens, it can lead to severe complications. Cleaning the slate early helps set the foundation for proper healing without infection.
Protect Your Heart by Protecting Your Smile
Keeping your heart valves safe from oral bacteria simply requires a consistent, gentle hygiene routine. Disrupt the bacterial biofilm daily using an electric toothbrush and a gentle, alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash. If you have been diagnosed with a high-risk heart valve condition, our Rehoboth Beach team may coordinate with your cardiologist. In addition to routine cleanings, you may benefit from preventive antibiotics before cleanings.
Read More: How Regular Dental Cleanings Save You Time and Money
Schedule Your Gum Care in Rehoboth Beach
Your mouth is the primary shield protecting your inner cardiovascular highway. Staying consistent with home care and professional cleanings will help reduce excess bacteria and protect your whole-body wellness. Turn to our dentist in Rehoboth Beach, DE at Maplewood Dental Associates for care that helps keep your mouth healthy and addresses gum concerns quickly.
Keep your heart and smile healthy. Contact us to schedule your next dental cleaning in Rehoboth Beach today.
