Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) represents a life-threatening infection frequently caused by oral bacteria, implicated in ∼45% of cases, which enter the bloodstream through transient bacteremia from daily oral activities or invasive dental procedures and adhere to the heart’s inner lining or blood vessels, more commonly associated with damaged valves. Staphylococcus aureus (26.6%), viridans group streptococci (20%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (10%) predominate as etiologic agents, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac conditions. This study evaluates the interplay between oral health and IE risk, emphasizing current guidelines restricting antibiotic prophylaxis to high-risk patients undergoing dental interventions, alongside diagnostic strategies (blood cultures, echocardiography), prolonged targeted antibiotics, surgical options, and multidisciplinary collaboration among dentists, cardiologists, and infectious disease specialists. Overall, promoting good oral health plays a critical role not only in preventing dental diseases but also in reducing the risk of severe systemic infections, such as infective endocarditis.