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.