If you are about to have dental surgery and have a history of infective endocarditis, the open wound in your mouth increases your chances of having a repeat infection. Before you have the procedure done, there are a few things you should do to protect yourself and your heart.

Tell Your Dentist About Your History

During your pre-surgical visit, make sure you tell your dentist that you have had infectious endocarditis in the past. Explain to them how your got it, how long you had it, and what antibiotic was given.

Telling your dentist will alert him or her that special care must be taken before and during the surgery. These are discussed in more detail below. If they do not suggest any of these measures, make sure to bring them up and discuss them.

Request A Cardiac Workup Before The Procedure

While you are speaking with your dentist, ask them about having a cardiac workup before the day of the surgery. They can either order the test or give you a referral to your primary doctor or cardiologist.

During the workup, you will probably have an EKG and blood work that tests the condition of your heart. If it has been less than two years since your infection, you may also have blood cultures done to ensure that there is no presence of bacteria in your blood.

Insist On Having Prophylactic Antibiotics

Ask the dentist to give you a round of antibiotics before the date of your surgery. Also, insist that intravenous antibiotics be given while you are having the work performed.

These two steps are important because the antibiotics will alert your body to be on the lookout for any bacterial invaders. This will get your immune system ready to fend off any infection before it has a chance to take hold of your heart.

Rinse With A Homemade Antibacterial Mouthwash For A Week

Twice a day for a week before your procedure, rinse your mouth with the homemade mouthwash that is listed below. It will decrease the amount of surface germs on your teeth and gums. This will keep them from entering into the surgical site while the dentist is working on your mouth.

This is something you can do for yourself without having orders from your dentist. However, you should let them know that you will be doing it. If they give you a prescription mouthwash, you can safely use it together with this one.

The mouthwash contains regular table salt and hydrogen peroxide. They are both effective at killing bacteria, include the germs that are hiding beneath the gum line and between your teeth.

The peppermint oil that is also used is meant to make the flavor more pleasant. If you do not like the taste of peppermint, you can use another flavor like clover or spearmint. You can find the oil in health food stores, many grocery stores, and pharmacies.

Brush your teeth as you normally do. In a small glass, mix together an eighth of a cup of warm water, three tablespoons of peroxide, two tablespoons of salt, and ten drops of peppermint oil.

Rinse your mouth with the liquid for two minutes. After you spit it out, allow the residue to work for an additional 15 minutes. Then, rinse with warm water.

Insisting on and taking precautionary measures before you have dental surgery can greatly minimize your risk of a life-threatening infection around your heart. However, if these measures are not taken by your dentist and you suffer serious injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit or settlement from their dental malpractice insurance.