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Print: Can BE be prevented?
If you have a heart defect or valve problem, be sure to inform your doctor or dentist. If you plan to have your teeth cleaned or have another one of the procedures mentioned above, you may need antibiotics prior to the procedure. The antibiotics can help keep bacteria from surviving in your bloodstream. Check with your doctor to see if you require antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure.
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Source
Management of Bacterial Endocarditis by BE Giessel, MD; CJ Koenig, MD; RL Blake Jr, MD (American Family Physician March 15, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000315/1725.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 09/10
Created: 09/00
