Precautions You Should Take!

See your primary care doctor for regular medical check-ups. Your family doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for regular check-ups to follow the progress of your heart valve disease.

People with heart valve disease have a greater potential for getting a blood infection than persons with healthy valves. Blood infections can produce further damage to your heart valve. These blood infections can be prevented by getting an antibiotic before certain medical procedures. Procedures that might cause a blood infection are any that involve placing an instrument into any opening of your body (like dental procedures).

Plan a dental check-up every 6 months. This is very important even if you do not think you have a dental problem. Your dentist can also answer any questions you may still have regarding dental health

Always inform the doctor or dentist that you have a diseased valve so that he can prescribe an antibiotic for you to take before the procedure. Also notify your primary care doctor so that he can work with the doctor or dentist.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE TO MENTION THIS!

Antibiotics must be started before the procedure in order to prevent an infection that could result from the procedure. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information about preventing infections of your heart valve.

In addition to dental procedures, certain dental hygiene guidelines are recommended for people with diseased heart valves.

Brush your teeth at least once a day with a soft, nylon bristle brush. It is important to brush the area between the gums and the teeth as well as the teeth themselves.

Use Dental Floss or other similar devices to clean out the area between the teeth.

Clean partial and full dentures well every day. Denture wearers should see their dentist if soreness develops in the mouth or gums.