The mouth is packed with various strains of bacteria, which in
a healthy individual maintain optimal oral health. During daily routines like
chewing, brushing or flossing, the bacteria can enter the blood stream but don’t
present a problem for most of us when
the immune system is healthy. In compromised health, bacteremia (bacteria
entering blood stream) can cause infections elsewhere in the body.
Specific heart conditions and orthopedic implants such as artificial
joints have known to be the more vulnerable sites for potential infections.
Antibiotic prophylaxis, or preventative use of antibiotics
prior to a dental visit is recommended in conditions like-
-Artificial heart valves
-History of infection of the lining of the heart or heart
valves known as Infective Endocarditis
-A heart transplant
-Congenital heart conditions like Cyanotic congenital heart
disease
-Defects repaired with a prosthetic device
The criteria for antibiotic prophylaxis is periodically
updated by the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association
depending on current research and development. Currently, the AHA recommends
prophylactic antibiotics only on patients with a history of endocardial
bacterial endocarditis.
American Associations of Orthopedic Surgeons in their
revised guidelines no longer recommend antibiotics for patients with artificial
joints.
In an abundance of caution, our office coordinates
with the patient’s physician to determine the appropriate antibiotic protocol.
Visit www.smileartistrychino.com to E mail us at lovemydentist@gmail.com
