Does the mouth put the heart at risk?
Article Abstract:
Bacteria that live in the mouth can cause disease in other parts of the body if they enter the bloodstream. Bacteria create a substance called biofilm, which coats the tooth and can lead to dental cavities and periodontal disease. Dental procedures can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Periodontal disease can also release bacteria into the bloodstream. If the bacteria reach the heart, they can grow on heart valves, causing a condition called endocarditis. For this reason, patients with existing valve disease must take antibiotics before all dental procedures.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1999
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Preventing periodontal pocket formation after removal of an impacted mandibular third molar
Article Abstract:
A dentist describes a technique to prevent the formation of a periodontal pocket after removing an impacted molar. A periodontal pocket is an abnormally large space between a tooth and the gum surrounding it. Bacteria can accumulate in the pocket and the resulting infection is called periodontal disease. It can lead to tooth loss not treated. Periodontal pockets are a common complication resulting from removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
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- Abstracts: Periodontal diseases: pathogenesis and microbial factors. Periodontal regeneration around natural teeth. Periodontal implications: medically compromised patients, older adults and anxiety
- Abstracts: Non-surgical pocket therapy: mechanical, pharmacotherapeutics, and dental occlusion. Non-surgical pocket therapy: mechanical, surgical pocket therapy