The German Heart Institute advises heart patients or those who have had a stroke to inform their dentist about their medical condition. This is crucial because such serious health issues affect the choice of treatment method. Many dental anesthetics contain adrenaline, which stimulates the heart, and this can be a problem for individuals with heart arrhythmias. In such cases, a different anesthetic should be used. Furthermore, medications can have a direct or indirect impact on dental treatment. Blood thinners, for instance, increase the risk of bleeding, which can be significant even during a routine dental cleaning. Some medications also have side effects, such as dry mouth. Most patients do not require antibiotics, even for complex treatments and major dental procedures. However, antibiotics can be beneficial for individuals who have undergone heart valve replacement surgery or have endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart) to prevent the worsening of the inflammation.
