Use of antibiotics page

[bonniehills]

My mother-in-law had knee replacement surgery two years ago. Her doctor (?) now prescribes a 4-day course of antibiotics prior to a dental cleaning. Does this sound right? How can I find out?

[RitaRose]

I'm definitely no expert, but I know I've heard that before. Dental cleanings, especially extensive ones, release a whole lot of crap into your system.

Hoping someone has more info...

[JoanieL]

I have a friend with some heart problems, and even though he's meticulous about dental health, his dentist gives him a few days worth of antibiotics for his cleanings.

Anecdotal, but it's the best I've got.

[Lynna]

Everybody I am acquainted with who has had a joint replacement has antibiotics prescribed before any kind of dental or surgical procedure.

[EyeOfRound]

Yes, that's the practice standard.

[lotusberries]

My father has had two heart valve replacements and the dentist won't even touch his mouth if he hasn't taken the antibiotics.

[kiks]

the question to ask is what type of antibiotic?

[Bosnic]

Antibiotics before dental cleaning? I've never heard about this. Can someone clue me in?

Now I'm second guessing going for a simple cleaning...

[Lynna]

Antibiotics before dental cleaning? I've never heard about this. Can someone clue me in?

Now I'm second guessing going for a simple cleaning...

Did you read the thread? Antibiotics for dental if you've had a joint replacement.

[roodz]

dental cleaning opens up "routes" for bacteria to enter the blood stream directly, which can travel to the heart or joints and cause a infection. I guess it was not uncommon to see heart valve infections following dental cleaning not that many years ago.