To support families of children and young people (CYP) diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) in understanding how best to maintain good oral health, the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has collaborated with national partners to launch two new guidance videos. CYP with CHD are at increased risk of oral‑health problems, including dental infections that can lead to serious complications. For some children, untreated dental infection may increase the risk of infective endocarditis and complicate planned medical or cardiac care.
The animations have been developed to provide clear, engaging and age-appropriate oral health information for children with congenital heart disease and their families and carers. They encourage positive behaviours around toothbrushing, diet and regular dental attendance, while improving awareness of infective endocarditis prevention. They also provide healthcare professionals with a consistent and accessible resource that can be used across paediatric cardiology and dental services nationally.
The project is a collaboration between Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, BSPD, and the West Midlands Congenital Heart Disease Network, with patient and public involvement and engagement supporting the development of the resources. Support from the Cardiac Dental CEN (clinical excellence network) has helped ensure the animations reflect the needs of children living with congenital heart disease.
The aim of the videos is to provide a reusable national resource, available through Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Cardiac Dental CEN, the British Congenital Cardiac Association and BSPD, and used by cardiology and paediatric dental teams.
Dr Oosh Devalia OBE, BSPD President, said: “Children with congenital heart disease have complex health needs, but protecting their oral health must not be overlooked. Dental disease and infection can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of infective endocarditis, and can complicate wider medical care. No child should face avoidable complications or disruption to essential cardiac treatment because preventable dental disease has not been addressed. These videos give families practical, trusted advice and help cardiac and dental teams deliver consistent prevention-focused care from an early stage.”
Mrs Ajit Tanday, Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together the expertise of paediatric dentists and the wider healthcare workforce to ensure that children with complex needs receive high-quality, compassionate and timely care. By working collaboratively, we can help families feel supported and confident in managing their child’s oral health.”
The project was funded by Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust Innovation Fund, BSPD and the West Midlands Congenital Heart Disease Network. BSPD also thanks Vicky Hall of Senate Media, Neeraj Nirmal, Cardiology Registrar, the children and families who shared their experiences, and the paediatric cardiology and dental teams supporting dissemination and implementation.
The videos will be available via BSPD and partner organisations. Clinicians are encouraged to use them in consultations, signpost families to resources to support prevention, encourage early intervention, and recommend coordinated care.
