The importance of oral health in cardiac surgery — not only before, but also after surgery
- May 29
- 1 min read
Oral health is a frequently underestimated but extremely important factor in the overall care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery — especially valve surgery.
It does not only concern preparation before surgery, but also long-term protection after it.
🔹 Why is the mouth connected to the heart?
Oral infections such as dental caries, gingivitis, or chronic periodontal disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially affect the heart.
🔹 Why is this particularly important in valve surgery?
Heart valves — whether native or artificial (biological or mechanical) — are particularly vulnerable to infection. This is associated with a serious complication: infective endocarditis, which may occur even long after a successful operation.
Oral health is not only a “pre-surgery” issue.
It is not a temporary concern, but a continuous factor of risk or protection for patients undergoing cardiac surgery — especially valve procedures.
✔ Before surgery: we reduce the microbial burden and potential sources of infection
✔ After surgery: we protect the valves from hematogenous infections over time
⚠️Even a seemingly minor dental problem, if neglected, can have serious consequences for a cardiac surgery patient.
🔹 What does this mean in practice?
• Regular dental check-ups• Prompt treatment of inflammation or infection• Consistent daily oral hygiene• Informing the dentist about the cardiac surgical history
In selected high-risk cases, prophylactic antibiotic therapy may also be required before dental procedures, always according to the treating physician’s instructions.
👉 Health of the heart does not begin and end in the operating room — it is a continuous balance of many factors, where oral health also plays a crucial role.
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