Dental Bacteria Endocarditis.

For most people, going to the dentist is perfectly safe. However, for some it can indeed be potentially risky. The problem is the bacteria naturally found in our mouths. When you have dental work done, this can easily find its way into the bloodstream. For the vast majority of people this is nothing to worry about, as the bacteria will be seen off by the various safety systems the body has in place.
However, the story is different for people with damaged or leaking heart valves. For reasons we don’t understand, bacteria seem to be attracted to this area; the inner lining of the heart then becomes infected and inflamed, a condition known as endocarditis.

As the infection takes hold, clumps of bacteria build up on the heart valves, rather like barnacles on the hull of a ship. These clumps make the inflammation worse and can affect how well the heart valve works - in some people they won’t be able to open and close because of the weight of these clumps, which can be fatal. The usual advice has been to take a dose of antibiotics an hour before visiting the dentist or oral hygienist, and a second dose a few hours later. This ensures that any bacteria that get into the bloodstream are killed before they reach the heart valves.

Further more, because these clumps are quite fragile, they tend to be dislodged or broken up by the vigorous action of the heart pumping blood around the body. Once the clumps of bacteria have broken off, they travel all over the body to areas such as the brain, kidney and liver and infect these organs, too. As well as those with damaged heart valves, others at risk of endocarditis are people who’ve had heart valves replaced or those with congenital heart disease. However, the vast majority of people with such problems will be aware they have them and they will know that endocarditis is a risk. These patients should also take antibiotics before any other procedures where bacteria could enter the bloodstream, such as haemorrhoid treatment, or a biopsy. A good point is to check your Dental work and plan it out the work. Only do what is required bring a companion. Dental work is probably more delicate than any surgery.