Teeth so rotten they could kill your kids

May 16 2008 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Echo

MERSEYSIDE children risk dying of heart disease because of bad teeth and rotting gums.

A heart expert at Alder Hey children’s hospital today warned youngsters were at risk of contracting a fatal condition from bacteria seeping into their blood stream.

Dr Rob Johnson, a consultant paediatric cardiologist, said he saw several children every year with the heart condition which kills up to a fifth of those who develop it.

Today he urged all Merseyside parents to regularly brush their children’s teeth to kill bacteria from the mouth which enters the blood stream through rotting gums.

Dr Johnson spoke out as Alder Hey today launched its Big Brush campaign to tackle bad dental health in Liverpool’s children.

Last year surgeons at the hospital extracted 1,187 teeth under general anaesthetic. But this year’s figures are set to top it, with 931 already removed.

There are now more five-year-olds in Liverpool having teeth out under general anaesthetic than any other age group.

Dr Johnson said: “We have some of the worst oral health in the country, so it is vital parents are aware of the link between bad teeth and heart disease.

“Bad teeth and gum disease increase bugs in the blood stream, so reducing tooth and gum disease will help reduce risk.

“We have had one child that died of the condition four or five years ago, and while we do not want to scare parents we also want them to be aware of the risk.

“Looking after teeth appears to be good all round – nice smile and fewer bugs.”

Dental experts, government ministers, MPs and Lords gathered at the House of Commons to discuss how poor oral healthcare is leaving people at risk of a range of serious conditions including strokes, diabetes and heart disease.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “The public’s awareness of the importance of good oral healthcare is very low indeed.”

carolineinnes@liverpoolecho.co.uk