► The Hidden Link Between Oral Bacteria and Infective Endocarditis

Описание: The human mouth harbors a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Under normal circumstances, these bacteria coexist harmlessly, kept in check by the integrity of the oral mucosa and the body’s immune defenses.

However, invasive dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, periodontal surgery, deep scaling, or even poor daily oral hygiene, can allow these bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing transient bacteremia. In individuals with certain heart conditions, including valvular disease, a history of infective endocarditis, prosthetic heart valves, or uncorrected congenital heart defects, this bacteremia can trigger Infective Endocarditis, a life-threatening infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves.

This condition leads to the formation of bacterial vegetations on cardiac tissues, impairing heart function and potentially causing severe complications such as heart failure, systemic embolism, or even death if left untreated.

Current guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association, stress the importance of prevention through optimal oral hygiene and targeted antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk patients before certain dental procedures.

Collaboration between dentists and physicians is critical to identify at-risk individuals and implement personalized preventive measures.

Bottom line. The mouth is not an isolated system. What happens in your gums can have life-or-death consequences for your heart.

Preventing infective endocarditis starts with controlling oral bacteria and that’s something neither patients nor dentists can afford to ignore.

#OralBacteria #InfectiveEndocarditis #Medent #Ovidental