Infective endocarditis（IE）is a life-threatening condition resulting from microbial infection of the endocardium, with oral bacteremia being a notable contributing factor in a substantial number of cases. For the prevention of IE, prophylactic antibiotic administration during dental procedures is recommended for high-risk patients. In addition to such measures, comprehensive oral health management, including the treatment of oral infectious foci such as periodontal disease and apical periodontitis, as well as routine oral function care, plays a critical role in reducing the risk of infection.
This review highlights the importance of oral health management in the prevention of IE, drawing upon the authors’ clinical experience. Furthermore, the significance of oral hygiene management in preventing mediastinitis, a serious postoperative complication of cardiovascular surgery, is also discussed.
