Dental disease, such as dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) disease, is a common health issue in children and young people. If left untreated, periodontal disease can affect the bone and can become complicated by tooth abscesses, gum infection (gingivitis) and infective  endocarditis (and infection of the lining of the heart).

If a child with congenital heart disease (CHD) also has dental disease, they are at a higher risk of needing invasive dental treatments and contracting infective endocarditis.

It is important to tell your dentist if your child has CHD. Antibiotics may need to be prescribed before certain dental procedures to reduce the risk of infective carditis.

If you think your child might be at risk of developing IE please contact your cardiologist for advice.

Why are children with CHD more prone to dental disease?

• CHD can interfere with the formation of tooth enamel, resulting in tooth deterioration and dental caries. This makes restoration of teeth more difficult.
• Children with CHD have higher incidents of gastroesophageal reflux (GORD). This causes teeth to erode because they are frequently exposed to stomach acid.
• Children with CHD may require a high caloric diet, including sweet foods and medications.
• Certain medicines used to treat CHD can cause the mouth to become dry (xerostomia). The lack of saliva can make dental disease more likely to occur.
• Having a child with a complex health condition, like CHD, can be overwhelming and dental health may not be a priority.

Steps for preventing dental disease

1. Start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day as soon as they come through.
2. Help your child with brushing their teeth until they are 8-10 years of age, encouraging and teaching them each time.
3. Use the right toothbrush and toothpaste:
   • use a soft brush with a small head for children under six years of age
   • use a low fluoride junior toothpaste replace toothbrushes every three months.
4. Floss daily to help clean in between their teeth.
5. Limit sugary foods and drinks, as well as those that are high in acid. Sugars feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
6. Regular dentist check-ups
   
   Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain good oral health and to check for problems that you may not be able to see. Your child should have a check-up within six months of their first teeth appearing and continue every six to nine months to maintain good oral health.

Protect every family member from dental disease

It’s important for the entire family to practice good oral health. Dental disease is an infectious disease that can spread from one family member to another through common contact and the transfer of saliva.

Do not allow children to share dummies or feeding bottles, cutlery, water bottles or toothbrushes and avoid tasting food before feeding.

For more information

Queensland Health – Staying healthy
qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/oral-health

Australian Dental Association Child Dental Benefits Schedule
ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Children-0-11/Child-Dental-Benefits-Schedule

Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule
servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule

Developed by Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource No: FS133. Reviewed: January 2024.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.