Good oral and dental hygiene is especially important for children and young people with a heart defect as dental disease, gum disease or badly decayed teeth can cause a disease of the heart called Infective Endocarditis.
This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart caused by bacteria in the bloodstream.
Good dental hygiene can be followed by avoiding sugary foods and drinks between meals, not putting sweetened drinks in bottles for young children and asking for sugar free medicines. Also encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Choose a small brush and use a small pea size amount of toothpaste for under 6 year olds.
The most important thing is to register your child with a dentist as soon as possible and inform the dentist that your child has a congenital heart defect. Your dentist will then be able to provide the best possible advice and treatment.
