Orthodontics and infective endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis associated with orthodontics is a rare occurrence. Unfortunately, many orthodontic practitioners do not treat patients potentially at risk of developing endocarditis due to the lack of practical guidelines and fear of precipitating the infection. Additionally, many patients that undergo orthodontic treatment are inappropriately prescribed antibiotic cover for procedures that have a minimal bacteraemic risk. In this paper the literature linking orthodontic treatment and infective endocarditis is examined. Recommendations are made for the appropriate management of patients at risk of infective endocarditis for orthodontic procedures. Refereed Paper