Fear myocarditis
December 19, 2014 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have noticed that I have a gap between my teeth and gums and read that it can lead to bacterial pockets which can trigger a heart muscle inflammation. I already have a dental appointment, but I am in total panic that I have or will develop a heart muscle inflammation. Today I feel exhausted but do not have a fever. I am currently on a ski vacation and therefore I am also moving a lot and my pulse is relatively high. How do you assess my risk and do you always have a fever with a heart muscle inflammation?
Yours sincerely.
Good day,
I am happy to help you further.
Fever or fever attacks almost always occur with a bacterial colonization of the heart valves. This is referred to as endocarditis. This is a subtype of heart inflammation and occurs much more frequently than myocarditis.
These endocarditis can worsen if bacteria from the interdental space enter the bloodstream through gum bleeding during teeth cleaning. In the past, attempts were made to protect the valves by administering prophylactic antibiotics, but this was not successful.
So, gaps and bacterial pockets alone are not enough. The gums must be damaged to the point of bleeding during brushing. Then bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This practically happens occasionally with everyone. However, in 99% of cases, it does not lead to endocarditis, as the bacteria are eliminated by the immune system.
On the other hand, true myocarditis (myocarditis) is mainly caused by viruses, especially Coxsackie viruses, which are found in respiratory infections, bronchitis, etc. Only when there is severe infection can they trigger myocarditis. There is no causal therapy. Like with the flu, one should rest physically. If this is the case, one feels more than just exhausted. You feel so weak that you don't even go out or to work, but go straight to the doctor. This is certainly not the case for you. You don't need to panic!!
You can calmly attend your dentist appointment and get advice on dental care. By the way, small dental pockets are physiological, only large ones filled with bacteria need to be fought.
So, myocarditis is very unlikely in your case.
Best regards, Dr. R. C. Berg
