Recent research has found that children with heart conditions appear to have worse oral health and teeth compared to those without heart conditions. Heart conditions already cause many problems. But this research shows that those with heart conditions should take added care with their oral health.
Recent research has found that children with heart conditions typically have worse oral health and teeth when compared to the general population.
These findings add to the issues facing those with heart conditions. However, it also provides the chance to highlight the importance of dental hygiene to those with heart conditions.
Background
Heart conditions affect approximately 900,000 children in the United States [1]. Several different conditions would be classed as a heart condition. For example, these include congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, angina and arrhythmia.
Heart conditions cause many health problems, and many with heart conditions unfortunately die prematurely. But it is also apparent that there is a strong connection between heart conditions and oral health.
Children with heart conditions are at an increased risk of infection in the bloodstream from oral bacteria [2]. Therefore, dental care is very important for this population.
One study into children with congenital heart disease found very high rates of cavities and plaque levels for those with heart conditions [3].
Poor oral health as a child can result in lifelong dental issues. For example, pain, self-esteem problems and physical health ailments are all likely consequences.
The research
The research was published in the February 2022 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report [4].
The research used data from the 2016 to 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health [4]. This survey involved parents reporting on the oral health of their children in terms of toothache, bleeding gums and decayed teeth [4]. Furthermore, they also reported on if their child had received dental care in the last 12 months.
Almost 120,000 children were involved in the data [4]. 2,928 of them had a heart condition, with 116,826 not having a heart condition [4].
Researchers found that 83% of those with a heart condition had required dental care in the previous year. This compared to a rate of 80% for those without heart conditions [4].
In terms of the condition of teeth, there were similar findings. 9.9% of children with heart conditions were considered to have teeth in poor condition [4]. However, just 5.3% of children without heart conditions had teeth in poor condition [4].
What this means
These findings led to the researchers concluding that there is a noticeable deficit in the oral health of those with heart conditions. It certainly means that those with heart conditions should take extra care with their dental health. For example, this should include regular check-ups, accurate toothbrushing, flossing and other preventive measures recommended by a dentist.
Karrie F. Downing – lead researcher – commented on the findings. She said that the findings “could guide strategies, such as parent and patient education and collaboration between pediatricians, dentists, and cardiologists, to improve oral health and care among children with heart conditions” [5].
Downing also highlighted that this would be especially important for those with “intellectual or developmental disabilities”, which often run in tandem with heart conditions [5].
Thinking points…
- 1) While the findings above suggest that oral health for those with heart conditions is worse, the statistics are still somewhat alarming for the general population. Therefore, it is important that we all have excellent oral hygiene and take care of our mouths. The best way to see the overall health of your mouth is to visit a dentist for a check-up.
- 2) Have you got a child? Whether they have a heart condition or not, it is important for them to get into good dental habits for life. Therefore, remember to assist them in brushing, take them to regular check-ups and remind them of the importance of oral health to their overall health.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.
It is important for dental problems to be addressed early. Any oral-based problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan.
The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadental.ca.
References
- [1] Chen, M. Y., Riehle-Colarusso, T., Yeung, L. F., Smith, C., & Farr, S. L. (2018). Children with heart conditions and their special health care needs—United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 67 (38): p1045-1049. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6738a1.
- [2] National Health Service. Endocarditis. (2019). Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endocarditis/causes/. Last accessed: 19th February 2022.
- [3] Rai, K., Supriya, S., Hedge, A. M. (2009). Oral Health Status of Children with Congenital Heart Disease and the Awareness, Attitude and Knowledge of their Parents. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. 33 (4): p315-318. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17796/jcpd.33.4.2j108w0225241867.
- [4] Downing, K. F., Espinoza, L., Oster, M. E., & Farr, S. L. (2022). Preventive Dental Care and Oral Health of Children and Adolescents With and Without Heart Conditions — United States, 2016–2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 71 (6): p189-195. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7106a1.
- [5] Medicalxpress. (2022). Poor oral health more likely for children with heart conditions. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-02-poor-oral-health-children-heart.html. Last accessed: 19th February 2022.
