How do you prevent endocarditis and blood infections?

[mecretired]

I have had endocarditis twice—just over a year apart. Bothe were strep but different strains. Infectious disease dr insisted that strep comes from the mouth. But I had a full dental checkup and there were no problems. So they decided to put me on Keflex twice a day—probably for the rest of my life. I have no side effects and doc said this is a good antibiotic to be on. Also stopped flossing and use water pic instead. I use listerene before brushing my teeth. It has been over 3 years since my 2nd endocarditis.

 

[Chuck C]

if you are sexually active - avoid ATM

If someone requires an ATM for sex, that is not a good thing. I would say this could end up being a high infection risk activity.

 

[pellicle]

But I had a full dental checkup and there were no problems.

but a well adapted to your flora strep would not cause a problem that a dentist can see (unless he has really amazing eyes) ...

not fish, snake​

...and can unaided see your oral bacteria.

Its entirely possible that its there and you would only see it with a swab and growing the culture.

I would immediately feel for you being on an antibiotic for life (some are) but while I would say "oral hygene" sometimes people just don't (despite thinking they do). I'm not saying "this is the case" because I don't know, but just thinking out aloud on the actual probabilities with what I do know.

Best Wishes