Endocarditis Prophylaxis
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Children and adults with congenital heart disease are at an increased risk of having a heart infection. Whilst this is rare the chances of it occurring can be reduced by taking precautions. Infections in the heart can occur for no apparent reason but are more common if the teeth are rotten - germs spread into the blood stream and infect the heart. Good dental hygiene is therefore important as are regular visits to the dentist. |
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If dental treatment is required then some procedures can cause germs to spill into the blood and infect the heart - it is therefore important that the dentist is informed about the heart condition before treatment. The usual method of avoiding this problem is to give a single dose of antibiotic one hour prior to the treatment to kill any germs. Surgical operations may also cause germs to spill into the blood stream and so similar recommendations for antibiotics to be given before hand are required and the surgeon should therefore be informed beforehand. Minor cuts and grazes do not require antibiotics unless they become septic. Likewise ordinary coughs and colds do not require antibiotics. |
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This page was last edited 14/2/2004 |
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