Why do you have to tell your Dentist about a heart murmur?

Question

I found out when I was 20 (last year) that I have a heart murmur. Thats the first I have heard of that in my entire life...

Well, the Dr. told me to be sure to tell my Dentist that I have one.
Why is that?

My Dr. never told me WHY i would have to tell the dentist, nor did she say anything about needing medication before hand.

I have been going to the Dentist all my life, and never had any problems, and they just suddenly found this murmur at a dr. visit when I switched to a new dr.

I made my appointment for tomorrow morning, and have no antibiotics.

Answer 1

Up until recently....June of 2007, the ADA, AHA, and AMA said we needed to give antibiotics to patients with heart murmurs before dental procedures which caused bleeding. This has been a prophylactic procedure since the mid 60's. As of June, new studies have shown that this does not need to be done as the risk of getting bacterial endocarditis is less than having a reaction to the antibiotic. Please talk to your dentist regarding the new outlines for this as you probably do not need to take the antibiotics before your apt.

Answer 2

Not all murmurs are a problem at the dentist, but if your doctor told you to let the dentist know then it is very important. Some murmurs are because the valves in the heart (like little doors) don't close properly and the blood can flow backward a little bit. Some dental procedures can cause bacteria from the mouth to enter your blood stream and cause an infection around the area of the faulty valves. All you need to do to be safe is to take a dose of antibiotics 1 hr. prior to your appointment. Your doctor and/or dentist can write the prescription you will need to take. Let the person who schedules your appt. know about your heart murmur when you call and you should have no problem at all getting the correct medicine.

Don't be afraid, just be smart about your healthcare.

Answer 3

I have the same thing as you and the reason is because for some procedures, you will need to be pre-medicated beforehand. Anything which may cut the gums, even a simple cleaning may require antibiotics beforehand. What I have to do it get a prescription of 4 pills (may vary) and take 2 before and 2 after the dentists appointment. People with some conditions need this in order to not have an infection go to the heart. It can be very serious if you do not tell your dentist. The same also goes for piercings and tattoos I believe. And just because you have done it before and were fine doesn't mean you always will be, so always be open about it.

Answer 4

well, from the three previous posters, two had the right answers, if you combined them. if you have a murmur, especially if your doctor told to to inform your dentist, the main concern is that you shouldn't develop bacterial endocarditis - which is an infection, which migrates through the blood, and attacks the heart muscle and valves. endocarditis is extremely serious, and sometimes fatal, even when it's treated, so the more prudent course of action, is to prevent it, by giving antibiotic pre-medication. the dentist gives you a prescription, which you fill, and take one hour before your appointment time. and, again, anything which can break the skin, especially in the mucus membranes, should have this sort of precaution.
also, to adress the question of dental anesthesia, the 'caines' - yes, they can affect heart rhythm. normally it isn't a real worry, unless you've reacted badly to it previously, or are taking certain cardiac medication.

i hope that this has adequately answered your question.

Answer 5

Because the dentist may want to give you an antibiotic (usually amoxicillin tablets) BEFORE you have any dental procedure done, including having your teeth cleaned.
Everytime the dentist or dental hygienist puts instruments in your mouth they are introducing tiny amounts of bacteria.
The danger is that bacteria they stir up in your mouth could travel to your heart and cause damage to your heart valves thus you die.
It is mostly theory. I have never heard any stories of anyone dying from small amounts of bacteria in their mouth linked to their heart murmur. However ALWAYS tell the dentist, dental hygienist, and dental office staff that you have a heart murmur BEFORE you go into the office. Call them on the phone before the appointment (a few days before). Because they may need to write you a prescription for antibiotics to take 1 hour BEFORE any dental appointment.

Answer 6

docgobbler is correct: the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association have changed the recommendation that people with heart murmurs need an antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental treatment.

Studies recently published indicate the risk of over prescribing antibiotics far outweigh any benefit from a VERY slight risk of endocarditis.

Ask your doctor if he/she is aware of the new information.

Answer 7

Only because when you have a problem with your heart you should take antibiotics before getting a procedure done. I know this only because my husband has problems with his heart...and my son had open heart sugery at 5 months for a heart murmur that ended up getting bigger and they told me when he starts going to the Dentist to inform them of that b/c he would have to take antibiotics before every visit i guess depending on what they do.

Answer 8

HELLO,
THE REASON WHY THIS MEDICAL HISTORY IS SO IMPORTANT TO ANY FUTURE WORK, IS BECAUSE THE PERSON CAN BE PREDISPOSED TO GETTING BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS.
IN THE HEART WITH A HEART MURMUR, THE VALVES ARE NOT WORKING AS THEY SHOULD, HENCE YOU HEAR A MURMUR. A DENTAL PROCEDURE MAY CAUSE AN INFECTION IN THE HEART VALVES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION.
ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IS GIVEN PRIOR TO ANY DENTAL TREATMENT.

Answer 9

some dental procedures and the use of Novacaine can cause heart symptoms. my mother has to take a certain medication before she has anything done at the dentist.