A recent study conducted by the U.S. government has found that children with heart diseases are more likely than their peers to experience recurrent cavities, dental pain, and gum bleeding. Researchers discovered that 10% of American children and adolescents with heart conditions suffer from varying degrees of dental health issues ranging from moderate to severe.
The researchers express concern that bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream can lead to infective endocarditis in children with heart diseases, a rare condition that causes inflammation of the heart's inner lining and can be life-threatening.
According to Dr. Allen Dalessio, head of pediatric dentistry at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, the focus should be on maintaining good oral health, which primarily helps avoid dental problems that could severely affect the health of pediatric heart patients.
There are several reasons why children with heart conditions are more prone to dental cavities, as stated by study leader Carrie Downing, a researcher at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Downing notes that children may undergo surgeries or other procedures that make it difficult for them to care for their teeth and gums. Additionally, children with heart diseases often face growth or cognitive disabilities that complicate dental care.
Downing advises parents to make sure their children drink enough water and significantly reduce their consumption of juices or other sugary beverages to maintain their dental health. She also emphasizes the importance of supervising children while they brush their teeth and ensuring they use toothbrushes and floss properly, as reported by the UPI website.
