Overview

Children with heart problems are more at risk of developing an infection in the heart called endocarditis.

Endocarditis is an infection caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. It can damage the heart, particularly the valves in the heart.

If your child has endocarditis, they will need treatment with antibiotics. Some children need heart surgery to repair or replace damaged valves.

To prevent endocarditis, it is very important to have good dental hygiene and take excellent care of the teeth.

It is important for your child to have good dental health to reduce the chance of dental decay or infective endocarditis.

Read the NHS information about children's teeth. You can also read more dental advice for people at risk of endocarditis.

Registering with a dentist

Every child should be registered with a dentist when their first teeth come through.

Routine check-ups are needed every 4 to 6 months.

The dentist can put a fluoride paste on your child’s teeth to help prevent decay. They can do this 2 to 4 times a year.

They can also put plastic coatings (fissure sealants) on the back teeth to protect them from decay.

Dental decay

Dental decay is damage to a tooth. It can cause pain, an infection and swelling if it’s not treated.

It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that turns sugars into acid.

This can soften the hard outer layer (enamel) of the tooth. Over time, the acid can cause the enamel to break down and make a small hole (cavity) in the tooth.

Dental decay can be caused by:

• not brushing your teeth well
• having lots of sugar in your diet
• having developmental conditions affecting your teeth

You can help prevent dental decay by:

• having sugary food and drink less often
• only having sugary food and drink at mealtimes
• brushing your teeth well and often
• speaking to your dentist about fissure sealants, which are plastic coatings to protect the tooth from decay

Dental erosion

Acidic food and drink can be harmful to teeth.

The acids wear away (erode) the enamel. This is called dental erosion. It can cause thinning of the teeth, which can damage them and make them more sensitive.

Acidic foods include citric fruits, such as oranges, apples and fresh fruit juices.

To help prevent dental erosion, your child should:

• only have acidic foods and drinks at mealtimes
• rinse their mouth with a fluoride mouthwash after having acidic food or drink

They should not brush their teeth immediately after having acidic food or drink, as they will brush away the softened enamel.

Gum disease

Gum disease (gingivitis) is inflammation of the gums.

It is caused when plaque (the sticky substance that forms when bacteria collects on the surface of your teeth) is not removed from the teeth and gums during brushing.

Plaque causes the gums to become swollen and inflamed, which can result in bleeding when your child brushes their teeth.

If you notice the gums are bleeding it is important to keep brushing the area. The bleeding will reduce over time with good brushing.

Speak to your dentist or hygienist for advice on brushing your teeth.