Dental bacteremia and its relationship to bacterial endocarditis: preventive measures

This article indicates that using local degerming agents in conjunction with traditional antibiotics prevents dental bacteremia more effectively than either procedure alone. In many patients at risk for endocarditis who practice home-care procedures than can produce bacteremia from gingival bleeding, daily antibiotic prophylaxis is impractical and contraindicated. This article discusses an effective method to control daily bacteremia with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash. The article also attempts to identify patients at risk, determine the degree that they are exposed to potentially bacteremic situations, and encourage an aggressive team approach of physician and dentist to protect such patients adequately. Recommendations to prevent bacteremia are offered to supplement traditional antibiotic regimens.