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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