Dentists ‘should prescribe antibiotics to those at risk of heart infection’

Dentists 'should prescribe antibiotics to those at risk of heart infection'Dentists in the UK should be able to prescribe antibiotics to patients at high risk of heart disease, according to a new study.

The new data suggests that bacteria entering the bloodstream via the mouth during dental treatment could explain 30 to 40% of infective endocarditis cases.

This is a life-threatening condition that takes place when an infection occurs in the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.

Current guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advise against the routine use of antibiotics before invasive dental procedures for those at risk of infective endocarditis.

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But the study suggests that this could be putting high-risk patients at additional risk when undergoing invasive dental procedures.

It confirms guidance in the USA, Europe and elsewhere that recommend that high-risk patients receive antibiotics before invasive dental procedures.

Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, it is the biggest ever study to examine the link between infective endocarditis (IE) and invasive dental procedures.

Strong link

Professor Martin Thornhill is a professor of translational research in dentistry at the University of Sheffield. He is also lead author of the study.

‘We know that 30 to 45% of IE cases are caused by bacteria that derive from the mouth,’ he said.

‘But what has been unclear and disputed until now is whether there is a strong link between invasive dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, and IE in patients who are at high risk of developing the infection.

‘Results from our study validate for the first time the guidance of the major guideline committees around the world. For example, The American Heart Association and the European Society for Cardiology.

‘It recommends that those at high IE risk should receive AP before undergoing invasive dental procedures. In contrast, our data suggests that current UK NICE guidance against the routine use of AP, could be putting high risk patients at unnecessary extra risk of developing IE.

‘It should be reviewed in light of this new evidence.’

You can read the full study here. 


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