Ebook General Issues for Adults Born with Congenital Heart Disease
As in childhood, good dental hygiene habits should be maintained to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing a life-threatening heart infection. Dental visits for cleaning and checkups are recommended at least every six months. Dentists should be kept up-to-date of any changes in your heart condition and/or medications, especially blood thinners, such as coumadin. Most individuals with a congenital heart defect have been advised to take antibiotics before dental procedures; they should continue this practice even after surgical repair unless counseled otherwise by their cardiologists.
Recommendations for antibiotic use (issued jointly by the American Heart
Association and the American Dental Association) change from time to time –
if any questions arise, your cardiologist should always be contacted for clarification. Carry an AHA wallet card, usually available at the cardiologist’s office, at all times. In addition to routine checkups, adults with heart problems should continue brushing with a soft toothbrush twice daily, once in the morning and again before going to bed. You should also floss carefully once a day, taking care not to traumatize the gums. Check with your dentist or physician if your gums bleed excessively, especially if you are taking blood thinners.
Skin Care It is important to remember that the skin provides a "barrier" against potentially serious infections – an especially important barrier if you have CHD. Anything that could break this barrier should be avoided, such as picking at cuticles, scabs, or pimples. A dermatologist should be consulted for possible antibiotic treatment of severe acne. Questions regarding tattoos, body piercing, or electrolysis should be discussed with your cardiologist. If it is approved, prophylactic antibiotics may be advised. Before the procedure, the skin should be thoroughly washed; after the procedure, any sign of redness, swelling or discharge should be noted and reported to one’s primary physician immediately!
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