{"id":210,"date":"2023-08-11T21:55:14","date_gmt":"2023-08-11T21:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glastonburysmiles.com\/blog\/?p=210"},"modified":"2026-03-25T15:58:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:58:55","slug":"antibiotics-before-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glastonburysmiles.com\/blog\/antibiotics-before-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need to Take Antibiotics Before a Dental Visit?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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During routine dental appointments<\/a> or common procedures, oral bacteria can theoretically be introduced to the bloodstream. While a healthy immune system should be expected to eliminate these intruders, certain health conditions can make it advisable to take antibiotics before a dental appointment. Read on to learn about what conditions and procedures can require a patient<\/a> to take antibiotics before arriving at the dentist\u2019s office<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Dental Procedures Can Introduce Bacteria to the Bloodstream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it has not been proven that certain dental procedures can introduce bacteria to the bloodstream, there is a strong association between the two. Procedures that could theoretically allow bacteria into the circulatory system include cleanings, root canals, dental crowns, and tooth extractions. Studies have also shown a similar association between bacteria entering the bloodstream and typical everyday oral activities like chewing, clenching, flossing, and brushing, but good oral hygiene can greatly reduce this risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart Conditions Can Require Antibiotics Before a Dentist Appointment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Patients with heart conditions may need to take antibiotics before their dental appointment to prevent infective endocarditis, or infections of the lining and valves of the heart. Currently, the American Heart Association only recommends antibiotics before dental appointments for patients at a high risk for infective endocarditis. Heart conditions that could require pre-dentist antibiotics include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n