No, this is not going to be a how-to-live-your-life sermon. I am talking about dental care in patients with heart conditions. The title misleads, did you say? Well, blame me for being innovative!

Anyways, so coming back to the relation between your smile and your heart condition, do you know that poor oral hygiene can cause problems in your heart? Let me give you an example. Periodontitis causes inflammatory problems of the heart. In fact, if you have a heart condition, your dental care rules become a little different.

If you have had a heart attack in the last six months, avoid going for a dental treatment. Get your dentist talk to your cardiologist before going for a dental procedure. If a dental treatment is absolutely necessary, make sure your cardiologist has approved it and your dentist is well equipped and informed.

Inform your dentist know if you have dry mouth. Inform him/her of all the drugs you are taking and any heart treatments you have undergone. Inform him/her if you have other conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Tell him/her about all the medicines you take.

It is important that you let your dentist know if you have ever had a stroke. Make sure the dental clinic you visit is equipped to cope with emergency situations.

Continue to follow a proper dental care routine. Make sure you keep all your appointments with your dentist and your cardiologist. And yes, never skip any prescribed medicine.

Having a heart condition does not mean you cannot live happily. Being a little cautious doesn’t really spoil the party. Happy smiling!

Tags: dental care with heart condition, dental health and heart, heart and dental care