Prevention

If you are at high risk for developing endocarditis, you should talk with your doctor about getting antibiotics before having dental procedures or medical procedures.

Other general precautions to help prevent endocarditis are:

• Maintain good dental health: Brush and floss your teeth regularly and keep up with regular dental checkups.
• Avoid behavior that may lead to skin infections, such as injection of illicit drugs, body piercings or tattoos.

If you develop any infections or sores that do not heal properly, seek immediate medical attention.