[Prophylactic use of antibiotics in dental practice as a prevention of infective endocarditis].

The use of antibiotic prophylaxis during procedures in the oral cavity is described in the article. A bacteremia from oral procedures may lead to subacute bacterial endocarditis, particularly where damaged heart valves and congenital heart diseases are present. Streptococci still account for the majority of cases of bacterial endocarditis. It is also clear that certain patient groups, i.e. those with prosthetic valves, are at the greatest risk and therefore need more intensive, primarily parenteral antibiotic protection. The latest American Heart Association recommendations and the recommendations of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy are presented in detail.