DENTAL CARE AND INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS. A REVIEW

D. Kostandini¹ , E. Qorri², A. Kondili¹

¹ Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Dentistry, Albanian University, Tirana, Albania
² Dental School, Albanian University, Tirana, Albania

Correspondence to:

Annals of Stomatology 2025 January-April; 5(1): Ahead of Print
https://doi.org/10.69129/stomatol/2025v5iss1_3

Received: 3 February 2025 Accepted: 3 March 2025

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Abstract

Infective endocarditis is a relatively rare infection of the inner layer of the heart’s valves and chambers. Most cases of endocarditis are caused by streptococci, which is a normal oral flora and is associated with plaque, dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Guidelines for preventing infective endocarditis recommend good oral hygiene for people at higher risk because of a pre-disposing cardiac condition, and prophylactic oral antibiotics when undergoing specific dental procedures. The objective of this article was therefore to review the currently available literature regarding oral health and infective endocarditis and to unfold the latest recommendations. A multidisciplinary approach including the patient’s cardiologist is fundamental and can potentially reduce complications and improve dental treatment results.

Keywords: bacteremia, endocarditis, heart, oral health