Preventive Dental Care and Oral Health of Children and Adolescents With and Without Heart Conditions - United States, 2016-2019.

Abstract

Approximately 900,000 U.S. children have heart conditions, such as congenital heart disease (1). These children might be at increased risk for life-threatening infective endocarditis from oral bacteria in the bloodstream (2). Therefore, preventive dental care (i.e., check-ups, dental cleaning, radiographs, fluoride treatment, or sealant) to maintain oral health is important. Oral health status and receipt of preventive dental care were compared between children with heart conditions (2,928) and without (116,826) using population-based 2016-2019 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data. Approximately 83% of children with and 80% without heart conditions received preventive dental care in the past year (p = 0.06). Children with heart conditions were more likely than were those without to have poor oral health (17.2% versus 13.7%; p=0.02) and teeth in fair or poor condition (9.9% versus 5.3%; p<0.01). Among those with a heart condition, having low household income; an intellectual or developmental disability; and no well-child visit or medical home were associated with poor oral health. Receipt of preventive dental care was higher among children aged ≥6 years and those with insurance. Public health practitioners and health care providers can implement strategies (e.g., parent and patient education and collaboration between pediatricians, dentists, and cardiologists) to improve oral health and care among children with heart conditions, especially those with fewer resources and intellectual or developmental disabilities.