Oct 02 2023

Endocarditis: Protect Against Dental Infection Spread To Your Heart

What is endocarditis?

Endocarditis is a rare, potentially fatal condition affecting the heart lining and its valves and started by bacterial infection. It is much more frequently found in people who have certain heart conditions and in previous endocarditis cases. If you are at high risk for endocarditis, your doctor may recommend antibiotics be taken before dental procedures.

Who should take preventive antibiotics?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends antibiotics prior to certain dental procedures for people with heart conditions associated with the highest risk of developing endocarditis. The AHA recommends that patients receive antibiotics prior to dental treatment only if they have:

had bacterial endocarditis before
a prosthetic (artificial) cardiac valve
prosthetic material used in valve repair
cardiac valve disease and have had a cardiac transplant
congenital (present at birth) heart disease. This includes only people having the following conditions:
- unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease (including those with devices that relieve symptoms only)
- completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device during the first six months after the procedure
- repaired congenital heart disease with defects that remain at or near the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device

With these recommendations in mind, you and your doctor can decide whether or not preventive antibiotic dosing is preferred for your condition.

How are preventive antibiotics taken?

Patients who require preventive treatment take a single dose of an antibiotic, usually by mouth about one hour before certain dental treatments.

For which dental procedures are the antibiotics taken?

For patients at highest risk for endocarditis, the AHA guidelines suggest preventive antibiotic treatment for only the following:

Dental procedures that involve manipulation of gum tissue (around bone and teeth) or the tip of the tooth root
Dental procedures in which the inside lining of the mouth is penetrated

The guidelines do not recommend that high-risk individuals take preventive antibiotics for the following dental procedures or events:

Routine anesthetic injections through noninfected tissue
Dental X-rays
Placement of removable dental prostheses or orthodontic appliances
Adjustment of orthodontic appliances
Placement of orthodontic brackets
Shedding of baby teeth
Bleeding from trauma to the lips or inside of the mouth

If you have concerns about whether or not preventive antibiotics are needed for your condition, talk to your doctor.

What can I do to lower my risk for infections?

To reduce your risk for infection, it’s important that your dental team knows about your current health status. Be sure to tell us if your health has changed since your last visit, including if you have been diagnosed with a heart condition. You should let us know if you’ve had heart or vascular surgery, or any other surgery or medical procedure, within the past six months.

In your dental record, make sure we have a complete list of the names and dosages of all of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, including vitamins and herbal remedies. It’s important that we have all of the names and phone numbers of your current physicians, in case we need to consult with them. Finally, it’s especially important to practice regular good home care of your teeth. Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time, and floss every day. Visit our office at least every six months for regular exams and cleanings.

If you have questions about preventive antibiotic treatment, you should talk to your doctor and Dr. Cardon at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. Learn more at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/TheImpactofCongenitalHeartDefects/Infective-Endocarditis_UCM_307108_Article.jsp#.Vwc4l8fntPY and http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/HeartValveProblemsandDisease/Heart-Valves-and-Infective-Endocarditis_UCM_450448_Article.jsp#.Vwc4_MfntPY

Oct 02 2023

Five Reasons Why Our Dental Care Will Change The World

You might think my title for this post sounds a bit exaggerated, grandiose, or even delusional…and we’re OK with that. But we’re passionate about what we do and we hope you sense that whenever you visit us. That’s because in some small (yet truly meaningful) ways, my team here at Stadium Dental Center really feels like we do change the world.

It’s Not Just About Teeth—Really!

Does that sound strange coming from a dentist? Perhaps, but here’s the point: we know from experience we can have a powerful impact for good through the dental care we provide in Jefferson City, Missouri and how we provide it:

1. We Overcome Fears & Extinguish Stereotypes

Modern dentistry isn’t your grandparents’ dental experience. With state-of-the-art dental materials and techniques, dental care has never been so comfortable, so effective, so life-changing and accessible to so many as it is today.

2. We Build Trusted, Lifelong Friendships

It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. When it comes to bonding strongly with so many folks in our community surrounding Jefferson City—while helping them stay healthy and confident—we enjoy a level of satisfaction from our work with people that few careers can match.

3. We Restore Confidence For Many Whom We Serve

There are few experiences to compare with the feelings we have when we see a great, big smile from someone who was embarrassed to smile before we began working with them. Those are the kind of moments we live and work for, making everything else worth the effort. We can’t know how many opportunities await someone who’s lacked the self-confidence to pursue their goals fearlessly, but we love helping them find out what it feels like to smile with confidence and bring out what’s best in them.

4. We Educate For Better Health (and may even save a life)

Our oral health is really a window on our overall well-being. Findings in our examinations can identify such serious conditions as oral cancer, high blood pressure, leukemia, sleep apnea, diabetes, anemia, malnutrition, autoimmune disease, and many others. Teaching our friends how to keep their mouths healthy has a strong influence on their overall health for a lifetime.

5. We Help Sustain Quality Of Life For Our Mature Patients

As life expectancies continue to lengthen, we love helping people keep healthy smiles decades longer. We do that through continuing education, modern technological developments, and thoughtful preventative maintenance. We often have a lot of fun during visits with our “seasoned” patients; they teach us quite a bit!

Do You Know Someone Considering A Dental Career?

If so, please pass this blog post along to them regardless of whether they’re considering becoming a hygienist, dentist, dental assistant or dental administrator. We’d be happy to chat with them if they’d like to come by and visit with us. Please have them give us a call.

Thanks for being part of our practice family. We love what we do because of you!

Oct 02 2023

Marijuana Use And Oral Health

Is there any oral health risk connected with marijuana use? The short answer is yes. In fact, several aspects of oral and general health may be impacted.

Periodontal disease risks

Studies of marijuana users have shown higher gum disease rates. One study found a tripling of the incidence of significant gum disease sites. There was also a big increase in the earliest signs of gum disease. These effects were attributed to pot use after other known risk factors were accounted for.

Tooth decay risks

Tooth decay is another impact linked to marijuana use. Both the prevalence and the severity of decay are much greater among pot users. The drug triggers neurotransmitters which produce cravings. Users try to satisfy such urges by consuming foods that promote tooth decay.

Cancer risks

Cancer found in the head and neck has been shown to be over 2.5 times as likely among marijuana users. This effect is in addition to those from other risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. Because of riskier behaviors when under the influence of marijuana, HIV infection has also been found higher among users.

Discoloration of teeth

The substances in marijuana contribute to the buildup of greenish-brown tartar on the teeth. This makes the appearance of the teeth unappealing. Removal of these unsightly deposits is more difficult for the dental team.

General health risks

Unfortunately, public awareness that marijuana poses oral and systemic health risks is far lower than awareness of tobacco risks. The general health risks include:

Difficulty with paying attention and learning
Difficulty with distinguishing oneself from another person
Decreased interest in finishing tasks
Diminished ability to execute tasks requiring coordination
Anxiety and feelings of panic
Paranoia and excessive fear
Delusions, hallucinations, and delirium
Increased blood pressure and heart rate (increasing risk for cardiac arrest up to 4.8 fold within the first hour after smoking marijuana, according to research)
Irritated airways, resulting in spasms or narrowing
A weakened immune system
Lung disease
Bloodshot eyes
Sore throat, cough, hoarse voice, and increased phlegm production
Violent reactions (particularly if the marijuana is laced with PCP)
Withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, irritability, anorexia, and agitation
Dependence and addiction (it’s estimated that 9 percent of users will become dependent, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse)

For these reasons, we have an interest in honestly inquiring about marijuana use (as well as other substances such as nutritional supplements and herbal medicines). This is a part of our health history and oral examination process for both current and new patients. Our intent is not to violate your privacy. To provide you with the best dental care we can, it’s vital that we confidentially assess your risks, including marijuana usage.

For more information on oral health and marijuana use, see https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/2440/16775/3/Cho_gen_v50n22005.pdf

What is endocarditis?

Who should take preventive antibiotics?

How are preventive antibiotics taken?

For which dental procedures are the antibiotics taken?

What can I do to lower my risk for infections?

Periodontal disease risks

Tooth decay risks

Cancer risks

Discoloration of teeth

General health risks

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