"For most people, taking antibiotics before they go to the dentist may cause more harm than good, according to the guidelines, which are based on the latest scientific evidence."

"For decades, doctors have recommended that patients with any kind of heart abnormality take short-term antibiotics before they undergo any dental work, including teeth cleaning. But this use of antibiotics carries risks, including dangerous allergic reactions and the possibility that bacteria that cause IE will become antibiotic-resistant."

"New evidence indicates that the risks of this kind of antibiotic use outweigh the benefits, the AHA says. Only people at the greatest risk of bad outcomes from IE should receive short-term preventive antibiotics prior to dental procedures, the
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