You're going to the dentist. Your mouth will be wide open for maybe an hour or more. Lots of opportunity for germs to dive in and take hold. So should you protect yourself by taking precautionary antibiotic before you see the dentist?
Updated recommendations from the American Heart Association say it may do more harm than good. The AHA recommends that only people who are at the greatest risk from infective endocarditis (IE) should receive short-term preventive antibiotics before routine dental procedures. IE is an infection of the heart's inner lining or the heart valves caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart.
The new guidelines say that preventive antibiotics are no longer needed for patients who regularly take them. Even those with the following conditions could skip this preventive measure:
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Bicuspid valve disease
- Calcified aortic stenosis
- Congenital heart conditions
Mounting evidence suggests that the risks of taking preventive antibiotics outweigh the benefits for most patients. What are the risks? Adverse reactions to antibiotics and the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Studies further suggest that IE is more likely due to everyday activities than from a dental procedure. Taking antibiotics before undergoing a dental procedure was not found to prevent IE in patients at risk of developing a heart infection. This is because the hearts of these patients are already exposed to all sorts of bacteria residing in the mouth—bacteria that can easily enter their bloodstream while brushing or flossing. The AHA guidelines underscore the importance of maintaining optimal oral health and the value of daily oral hygiene.
That said, there are still some patients who should take antibiotics before undergoing dental procedures. Patients who have developed a heart infection, and those with the following conditions:
- Artificial heart valves
- A history of IE
- Certain serious congenital heart conditions
- Some cardiac transplant patients
Note: This article is not intended as a substitute for seeing your doctor before taking or stopping any medication (s).
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Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.
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