Infective endocarditis (IE), also called bacterial endocarditis (BE), is an infection caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel.
IE is uncommon, but people with some heart defects have a greater risk of developing it. Fortunately, for most patients, preventing IE is simple--maintain good dental hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly helps keep your smile bright and prevents tooth and gum infections that could lead to endocarditis.
In the past, patients with nearly every type of congenital heart defect needed to receive antibiotics one hour before dental procedures or operations on the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal genital, or urinary tract. However, the American Heart Association recently simplified its recommendation. Today, antibiotics are only recommended for patients with the highest risk of IE, those who have:
- An artificial heart valve or who have had a heart valve repaired with artificial material.
- A history of endocarditis.
- A heart transplant with abnormal heart valve function
- Certain congenital heart defects including:
- Cyanotic congenital heart disease (birth defects with oxygen levels lower than normal), that has not been fully repaired, including children who have had a surgical shunts and conduits.
- A congenital heart defect that's been completely repaired with artificial material or a device for the first six months after the repair procedure.
- Repaired congenital heart disease with residual defects, such as persisting leaks or abnormal flow at or adjacent to a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device.
If you still require antibiotic prophylaxis for dental treatment or oral surgery, your pediatric cardiologist may give you an American Heart Association wallet card. Show this card to your dentist, pediatrician, family doctor or other physician. It advises them to give you the proper antibiotic and dose. For smaller children, the dose will vary according to your child's weight. Always remind the dentist or doctor if your child is allergic to any antibiotics or other medications.
Your cardiologist can provide you more information and can answer your questions about preventing endocarditis.
