Minimizing Antibiotic Dental Prophylaxis

Studies conducted in the U.S. and France showed no increase in mouth flora–related infective endocarditis after drastic reductions in antibiotic use for dental procedures.

Invasive dental procedures have long been suggested as a cause of infective endocarditis (IE), because oral streptococci have been implicated in many cases of IE. Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures has been recommended by the American Heart Association and other groups for decades, especially in patients at particular risk for IE. In 2002 in France (2007 in the U.S.; 2008 in the U.K.), guidelines were altered to drastically reduce the indications for such prophylaxis.

A study conducted in England showed no appreciable increase in viridans group streptococcal endocarditis (VGS-IE) during the years following antibiotic prophylaxis restriction (JW Infect Dis May 11 2011). Now, researchers have reported the results of two additional po…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter