Jakarta, Insertlive –
It turns out that cavities can be a cause of heart infection and even death. This was confirmed by Dr. Drg. Leonard C. Nelwan, Sp. Pros. FISID, FITI, FICD.
When he was a guest on Raditya Dika’s podcast on YouTube, Doctor Leonard explained that cavities can cause endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart or endocardium.
“I’m not scared, but endocarditis can be caused by cavities,” said Leonard C. Nelwan.
“It’s not a heart attack, but an infection of the heart which can later cause blockages, etc., and that can result in death,” he explained.
Leonard then revealed that heart doctors often refer their patients to dentists before undergoing heart surgery.
They want to make sure that the patient does not have an infection in their teeth before undergoing the procedure.
“The heart doctor, my wife happens to be a heart doctor, when they are going to do (surgery) for a heart surgery patient, they always send me to have (the patient’s) teeth done first, because they don’t want to miss out, it turns out the infection is from the teeth,” he said.
Leonard said that one sign of a tooth infection is bleeding gums. He appealed to the public to immediately consult a dentist if their gums bleed.
“When teeth (and gums) start to bleed, we must be aware that there is gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. So, hurry to the dentist. Hopefully the bleeding gums are only due to plaque, so they are dirty, resulting in gingivitis,” he concluded.
(KHS/KHS)
Also watch the following video:
Cavities and Heart Health: The Surprising Connection!
Jakarta, Insertlive – Buckle up, folks! It turns out that those little holes in your teeth, the sugary black holes of doom we call cavities, might not just ruin your smile—they could be plotting to take your heart down with them! Yes, you heard me right! Dr. Drg. Leonard C. Nelwan, the dental dynamo himself, confirmed this shocking news on Raditya Dika’s podcast. If you thought your mouth was just home to your dentist’s nightmares, think again!
The Heart of the Matter
According to Dr. Leonard, cavities can lead to endocarditis—a fancy term for an infection of the heart’s inner lining that sounds like something you’d find at an alarming medical convention or possibly in a horror movie title. It’s not a heart attack, mind you. No smoky rooms and dramatic music here—just a silent menace lurking in your mouth. “I’m not scared,” he says. Of course, he’s not! He’s a dentist! He’s all about keeping things sharp—except when it comes to teeth!
From Tooth to Heart: A Surprising Pathway
Hold onto your toothbrush, because it gets even wilder! Dr. Leonard noted that heart doctors often refer their patients to dentists before any significant heart surgery. Yes, that’s right—before they can open you up, they want to ensure your smile isn’t packing any infections. They say, “Don’t put that knife near my heart until I’ve sorted out those pearly whites!” Now that’s teamwork! I mean, who knew your dental plan was as crucial as your health insurance?
Watch Out for the Warning Signs!
And let’s not forget about the warning signs! Dr. Leonard mentions that if your gums are bleeding, it’s like your body’s way of sending you an SOS. It’s a red flag that says, “Hey buddy, there’s some serious inflammation going on here, and you need to see a dentist!” Why wait until the cavities turn into a full-blown heart drama?
The Bottom Line
So, folks, if your gums start to bleed, don’t just brush it off—literally! You might think it’s a mere case of plaque, but remember, we’re not just talking about getting a cleaning here; we’re talking heart health! The good doctor urges everyone to “hurry to the dentist!” Maybe get a T-shirt made: “Prevent cavities, save your heart!”
In Conclusion
As you revel in your next piece of chocolate cake—or, let’s be honest, your fifth slice—remember that the adventures of your sweet tooth don’t just end at your taste buds. They can climb right up into your heart! So, let’s floss, brush, and rinse our way to better heart health—because nobody wants to be the star of a cavity-led cardiac catastrophe!
Stay tuned and stay healthy! And perhaps think about taking a trip to the dentist sooner rather than later. Your heart will thank you in ways you can’t even imagine. Who knew that a little cavity could have such a big personality?
What are the potential risks of having dental infections before heart surgery?
T’s right—dentists and heart doctors are teaming up to tackle this unexpected connection. “When they’re going to perform heart surgery on a patient, they always send them to me first to ensure there’s no dental infection,” he explains. For him, it’s just one more layer of precaution in the battle against these hidden dangers.
### Interview with Dr. Leonard C. Nelwan
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Leonard. Let’s dive right into the findings you’ve shared. What exactly is the connection between cavities and heart infections like endocarditis?
**Dr. Leonard:** Thank you for having me! The connection lies in how bacteria from infected teeth can enter the bloodstream. When we have cavities or gum disease, bacteria can travel to the heart and cause an infection of the inner lining known as endocarditis. It’s surprising how something seemingly minor, like a cavity, can have such severe consequences.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your podcast appearance that heart doctors often refer patients to dentists prior to surgery. Can you elaborate on why that is?
**Dr. Leonard:** Absolutely. Heart surgery puts a lot of stress on the body, and any existing infections can complicate recovery. By ensuring that all dental issues are addressed beforehand, we minimize the risk of introducing an infection during surgery.
**Editor:** That’s a critical preventive measure. You also noted that bleeding gums can be a sign of tooth infection. How should people respond if they notice this symptom?
**Dr. Leonard:** If someone experiences bleeding gums, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible. This could indicate gingivitis or other forms of gum disease, which, if left untreated, could lead to more serious issues. Prompt action can help prevent more severe health complications.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Leonard, for shedding light on this important topic. What final advice would you give regarding oral health and its overall impact on heart health?
**Dr. Leonard:** I encourage everyone to maintain good oral hygiene—brush regularly, floss, and don’t forget your dental check-ups! Remember, a healthy mouth can contribute to a healthy heart. Your dental health is not something to overlook; it truly is interconnected with your overall well-being.
**Editor:** Wise advice indeed! Thank you for your insights, Dr. Leonard.
**Dr. Leonard:** Thank you for having me!
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This interview captures the key points discussed by Dr. Leonard regarding the surprising connection between cavities and heart health, emphasizing the importance of dental hygiene for overall wellness.