Endocarditis is a rare infection of the inside of the heart or the main arteries affecting approximately 1500 people a year. It is a serious condition which can cause major damage to the heart valves and may even cause stroke or death. The people most at risk of this infection are those who have a leaking or narrowed heart valve, a heart valve replacement. People who have already had infective endocarditis have a greater risk of getting it again. The infection can only occur if bacteria get into the bloodstream - although it’s not possible to prevent all bacteria getting into the bloodstream there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of getting this infection. Everybody carries bacteria in the mouse - usually they are harmless but if the teeth or gums become diseased it becomes easier for large numbers of bacteria to get into the blood with the risk they may settle in the heart and cause endocarditis. Good dental care and oral hygiene are therefore particularly important to reduce the risk - regular brushing and regular checkups at the surgery are essential to minimise the risk.
