[Does a heart transplant affect oral health?]

A heart transplant procedure is performed on patients who have an end-stage heart disease (severe failure) for whom no other treatment is left. Patients need to take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of their lives to prevent the rejection of a transplanted heart. A recent overview of scientific literature shows a higher risk of gingival hyperplasia, periodontal conditions, the presence of Candida species and oral malignancies compared to healthy individuals. The association between a heart transplant and dental caries is unclear. A frequent periodical dental check and professional dental cleaning is recommended for heart transplant patients.