Why do the doctors ask whether the patient has artificial tooth, while admitting him. Is there any connection between dental disease and heart problems.

Question

Yes there is connection while considering antibiotic coverage for a patient regarding prosthetic heart valve surgery. Broadly it is termed as "Infective endocarditis prophylaxis" Any dental procedure involving blood contact predisposes cardiac patients (not in all cases) on higher risk of getting the infective endocarditis. So it is required during history taking. THANK YOU. "Infective endocarditis

Anshumali Srivastava · Accepted Answer

Yes there is connection while considering antibiotic coverage for a patient regarding prosthetic heart valve surgery. Broadly it is termed as "Infective endocarditis prophylaxis" Any dental procedure involving blood contact predisposes cardiac patients (not in all cases) on higher risk of getting the infective endocarditis. So it is required during history taking. THANK YOU. "Infective endocarditis

Shefali Jain Sood · Answer

Yes, oral cavity is the window of your entire system. Symptoms may appear in thee mouth before appearing anywhere else in the mouth. Eg. Bleeding gums, mouth sores, changes in tongue colour, texture, taste alteration etc. Patients with gum problems are more prone to cardiac disorders.

Seerat Nischal · Answer

Dear Lybrate user, the doctors usually ask for artificial teeth while admitting patients in the hospital with regards to removable partial or complete dentures. Any patient who requires oxygen mask or tubings through the mouth or neck area for breathing or nutrition or a patient who is unconscious has to get the denture plates removed because it involves the risk of aspiration/accidental swallowing. The link between poor oral hygiene and heart disease is limited to the fact that a person with poor oral health and bacteria in his mouth stands a risk of transfer of these bacteria to the heart via the blood stream. Otherwise, dentures, crowns/caps, bridges, fillings, implants etc do not have any role in causing heart problems.