Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 143

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In reducing the risk of endocarditis, good dental care is an important measure. To promote good dental care in clients with endocarditis in a teaching plan should include proper use of?

  

     A. Dental floss

     B. Electric toothbrush

     C. Manual toothbrush

     D. Irrigation device

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Manual toothbrush

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The use of an electric toothbrush, irrigation device or dental floss may cause bleeding of gums, allowing bacteria to enter and increasing the risk of endocarditis. Maintaining good oral hygiene and infection control can decrease the incidence of endocarditis in the moderate-risk group of patients and can eliminate the necessity of antibiotic prophylaxis of endocarditis.

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Option A: Dental floss may injure the gums and cause bleeding that may lead to infection. The gums become inflamed (red and swollen) and often bleed during tooth brushing, flossing, or certain dental procedures involving manipulation of the gums. When gums bleed, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and can infect other parts of the body.

Option B: Electronic toothbrushes cause too much friction to the gums and cause an infection that can increase the risk of endocarditis. In very rare cases, bacteria in the mouth may trigger endocarditis in people at higher risk. Here’s what happens: Bacteria found in tooth plaque may multiply and cause gingivitis (gum disease).

Option D: An irrigation device uses a stream of pressurized, pulsating water to clean between teeth and below the gum line. The water’s pressure may cause injury to sensitive gums and lead to bleeding or an infection. To prevent endocarditis, patients with certain heart conditions receive a single dose of an antibiotic. The patient receives it about one hour prior to certain dental treatments.

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