The Mayo Clinic states that, “Our oral health is a window into our overall health.” Studies have suggested that bacteria in the mouth, alongside inflammation, plays a role in disease such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. In regards to those of us living with artificial joints, dental health is of great importance if only to protect us from infection. Infection in the blood can lead to erosion of bone around an artificial joint implant. Due to this concern it has been recommended that patients speak to their dentist and surgeon prior to any dental procedure…especially if infection is already present. As discussed in the book, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery, readers are told:
Treating patients with antibiotics before dental work or other procedures had been considered preventive care and preferred for those who have artificial joints. This recommendation has changed. According to the American Dental Association, as of January 2015, “For patients with prosthetic joint implants, …antibiotics are not recommended prior to dental procedures to prevent prosthetic joint infections (1).” For any patients who had a history of complications, antibiotics should only be considered after a consultation with the patient and the orthopedic surgeon.
The clinical reasoning behind this recommendation is evidence that dental infections are not associated with prosthetic joint infections and antibiotics provided before oral care did not prevent joint implant infections. Situations vary by patient, and if the surgeon deemed the antibiotics would support the health of the patient, the ADA suggests following medication guidelines. Speak candidly to your dentist about your joint replacement and be aware of these premedication changes.
- Excerpt from, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery by Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES, pg 31-32.
Manage your artificial joints using a full body approach. By maintaining a lean weight, exercising regularly, eating a wholesome nutritious diet, and practicing good dental hygiene you are protecting your overall health and investing in the longevity of the joints designed to keep you mobile.
Be Well. ~Tiffany
Sollecito TP, Abt E, Lockhart PB, et al. The use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures in patients with prosthetic joints. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2015;146(1): 11-16. Published January 2015. Accessed February 16, 2017.