ANTIBIOTIC-PROPHYLAXIS IN DENTISTRY

Antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis re lated to dental therapy is a widespread therapeutic intervention. Rece ntly, updated and revised guidelines on this treatment modality have b een set forth in the form of consensus statements. It is evident that the risk of spontaneous bacteremia is much greater in a diseased oral cavity than it is in a healthy oral cavity. Perhaps most important in the prevention of infective endocarditis is early identification of at -risk patients and prompt referral to oral health specialists for comp rehensive evaluation and treatment. The judicious use of antibiotic pr ophylaxis for prevention of infective endocarditis, in conjunction wit h optimal oral health care, should serve to minimize the adverse effec ts of antibiotic therapy and at the same time reduce the significant m orbidity and mortality associated with these infections.