Current knowledge regarding infective endocarditis prevention among dentists affiliated with the Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a potentially fatal condition caused by bacterial growth on heart valves. Bacteremia-inducing dental procedures are key factors contributing to IE development. Congenital heart disease, the most common risk factor for IE in children, may require antibiotic prophylaxis before invasive dental procedures. In Japan, guidelines for IE prevention were updated in 2018 (The JCS2017 guidelines). However, the current understanding of IE prevention among Japanese dentists remains unclear. We invited members of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry to participate in a survey regarding IE prevention; in total, 313 responses were received. Over 90% of respondents administer antibiotics for IE prevention, and nearly 80% limit prophylaxis to patients at high risk for IE. Most respondents indicated that invasive dental procedures require antibiotic prophylaxis only in patients at risk for IE. More than 80% of dentists reported using oral amoxicillin as a prophylactic antibiotic, and approximately 60% administered a 50 mg/kg dose to pediatric patients 1 h before a dental procedure. Over 70% of respondents administered antibiotic prophylaxis based on guidelines or advice from medical doctors. Our findings demonstrate that most dentists affiliated with the Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry understand appropriate antibiotic administration protocols for IE prevention in accordance with the JCS2017 guidelines, indicating a high level of interest in preventing dental procedure-related IE.