ANTIBIOTICS are usually used to treat bacterial infections. At times, physicians and dentists recommend that a patient takes antibiotics before certain dental procedures. This is called antibiotic prophylaxis.

We all have bacteria in our mouths, and a number of dental treatments — and even daily routines like chewing, brushing or flossing — can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream (bacteremia). For most of us, this isn’t a problem. A healthy immune system prevents these bacteria from causing any harm.

There is concern, however, that for some people, bacteremia can cause an infection elsewhere in the body.

Who might benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis?

Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for a small number of people who have specific heart conditions.

The American Heart Association has guidelines identifying people who should take antibiotics prior to dental care. According to these guidelines, antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for people with:

• Artificial heart valves

• A history of an infection of the lining of the heart or heart valves known as infective endocarditis, an uncommon but life-threatening infection.

• A heart transplant in which a problem develops with one of the valves inside the heart.

• Heart conditions that are present from birth, such as: Unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including people with palliative shunts and conduit; defects repaired with a prosthetic material or device — whether placed by surgery or catheter intervention — during the first six months after repair; Cases in which a heart defect has been repaired, but a residual defect remains at the site or adjacent to the site of the prosthetic patch or prosthetic device used for the repair.

Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for people with joint replacements

Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines have also been revised for people with orthopaedic implants such as artificial joints. People who have had joint replacement surgery and have a weakened immune system — meaning that they are less able to fight infections — should talk to their dentist and their orthopaedic surgeon to see if antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended.

Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer and medications such as steroids and those used in chemotherapy can affect your ability to fight infections.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710. Like their Facebook page, Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, for an opportunity to take advantage of weekly specials.