The dental status and attitudes of patients at risk from infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis represents one of the few potentially fatal infections that may be caused in the patient by a dentist. Efforts to reduce the incidence of this disease usually take the form of appropriate antibiotic cover prior to dental treatment, together with the establishment and maintenance of good oral health. This paper is a report of a survey on the dental health and awareness of 81 'at-risk' patients attending a cardiology outpatient clinic. It was found that whilst the patients were apparently well motivated and well informed, a high prevalence of periodontal disease existed in the group. It is concluded that when patients are diagnosed with a cardiac disorder which predisposes to infective endocarditis they should have a dental examination as soon as possible, preferably by a dentist experienced in the treatment of patients with special needs.