title: Bacterial endocarditis and orthodontics.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to discuss the prevalence and intensity of bacteraemia associated with orthodontic procedures and help formulate practical guidelines for orthodontists treating children with congenital or acquired heart disease. Preliminary results demonstrate a significant increase in the intensity of bacteraemia from baseline following insertion of an orthodontic separator. The potential for development of bacterial endocarditis (BE) is extremely low, questioning the need for antibiotic prophylaxis for procedures other than extractions. However, for patients who are 'at risk' a very high standard of oral hygiene is essential and much of the responsibility lies with the individual patients to learn to protect themselves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Eastman Dental Institute and Hospital, University College London, U.K. g.roberts@eastman.ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Omar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009970:Orthodontics; D018570:Risk Assessment; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents