The dental status of cardiac patients.

Oral health of patients with severe rheumatic heart disease

“…Furthermore, their findings and conclusions are applicable to developing countries. Thom and Howe reported that 20.5% of patients were dentally fit 22. By contrast, only one patient in our group had a normal panoramic radiograph, a plaque index score that was rated as good, and a gingival index score that was good – the latter indicating mild gingival inflammation.…”

“…Thom and Howe reported on their study in which 50 patients, all with severe heart disease, were examined clinically and radiologically to ascertain their dental status 22. Their study differs from ours in a number of respects.…”

“…These workers commented that the prevalence of periodontal disease in their patients was high; however, no figures were given. The articles by Thom and Howe, Holbrook and co-workers, and Smith and Adams, which were based on studies done in the UK, also indicated that a number of edentulous patients were dentally unfit 22-24…”

Prevention of infective endocarditis in developing countries

“…It is very likely that within the healthcare systems of developing countries, the oral health of patients with less-severe RHD who are not attending specialist cardiac facilities is also suboptimal. Also knowledge regarding the need and measures for prevention of IE among patients is insufficient 31-35…”

Oral manifestations arising in rheumatic fever

“…[3] Its an inflammatory disorder.Rheumatic fever causes your body to attack its own tissues after it's been infected with the bacteria that causes strep throat. This reaction causes [11] widespread roughout your body, which is the [4] basis for Dental practitioners are more likely to be involved in dental treatment of patients with cardiac diseases. Dental manipulations including [5] oral rocedures and root canal therapy can lead to infection of sterile vegetations on cardiac valves in susceptible patients to endocarditis.…”