If you have certain heart conditions, your dentist may recommend that you take antibiotics before certain dental procedures. This may seem odd, but it’s actually a very important precaution.

In this article, we’ll talk about why antibiotics are needed, which patients need them, and what types of procedures require them.

Why Antibiotics are Necessary

When you have certain heart conditions, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream during dental procedures. This can cause an infection in your heart called endocarditis. Endocarditis is rare, but it can be serious and even life-threatening.

Taking antibiotics before dental procedures can prevent this infection from occurring.

Which Patients Need Antibiotics

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that patients with the following conditions take antibiotics before certain dental procedures:.

Artificial heart valves
A history of endocarditis
Certain congenital heart conditions
A heart transplant with a valve problem

If you have any of these conditions, be sure to discuss the need for antibiotics with your dentist and doctor before any dental procedures.

Which Procedures Require Antibiotics

Not all dental procedures require antibiotics. The AHA recommends antibiotics only for invasive procedures that could allow bacteria into the bloodstream. These procedures include:.

Tooth extractions
Dental implant placement
Root canal treatment
Gum surgery
Biopsy of the gums or mouth

If you’re not sure whether a dental procedure you’re having requires antibiotics, be sure to ask your dentist.

Are Antibiotics Always Necessary?

No, antibiotics aren’t necessary for all patients with heart conditions who are undergoing dental procedures. The AHA has actually revised its guidelines over the years to reduce the number of patients who need antibiotics.

For example, patients with mitral valve prolapse no longer need antibiotics before dental procedures, while they used to.

Your dentist and doctor will evaluate your individual risk for developing endocarditis and decide whether antibiotics are necessary for your situation.

What Types of Antibiotics are Used?

The type and dose of antibiotic depend on the patient and the procedure being performed. Amoxicillin is the most common antibiotic used for dental procedures.

However, patients who are allergic to penicillin may be given a different antibiotic, such as azithromycin or clindamycin.

What Else Can You Do to Protect Your Heart?

While antibiotics can prevent endocarditis, there are other things you can do to protect your heart during dental procedures. For example:.

Practice good oral hygiene to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth
Tell your dentist about any heart conditions you have, as well as any medications you’re taking
Ask your dentist about using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth being treated and prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream

By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of complications during dental procedures.

Conclusion

If you have certain heart conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before certain dental procedures. This is to prevent an infection in your heart called endocarditis, which can be serious and even life-threatening.

Talk to your dentist and doctor about whether antibiotics are necessary for your situation. By taking this precaution and following good oral hygiene habits, you can protect your heart during dental procedures.