The age old saying has been slightly modified as we are not telling u how to woo a man by preparing his favourite delicasices.

We are discuusing a very serious issue here that how bacteria from the mouth, can enter the blood stream and cause infection of the heart valves and inner lining of the heart, and cause bacterial endocarditis

Although BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS can occur in anyone, people with a heart valve problem, an artificial valve or a heart defect are at greatest risk.

IT is a serious infection of the lining of the heart and can lead to damage of heart valves and muscle if not treated properly.

The causative organism enter the blood stream from various acess sites such as the mouth (from gum abcesses, periodontal infections,etc and enter the blood stream while chewing , tooth brushing or at the time of dental treatment}, the skin( skin infections and abcesses),or the bowel or through post operative wound infection following cardiac surgery.

As someone with heart disease, you have three responsibilities.

1. First, establish and maintain a healthy mouth. Practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
2. Second, make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem.
3. Third, carefully follow your physician's and dentist's instructions when they prescribe special medications, SUCH AS ANTIBIOTICS

Weather or not you have a medical problem, it is immensly important that you devote time to dental care and maintain hyeigene. Do not make your mouth an access site for endocarditis as the situation is really heart breaking.