Bacteraemia risk factors may include tongue scraping

When an inoculum of bacteria enters the bloodstream, however, some sites in the body may be more prone to inflammation.

“Bacteria are most likely to collect on artificial materials in the body. This would include prosthetic joints, heart valves and catheters,” explained Mr Sikka.

“For many years it was accepted practice when performing certain dental procedures on patients with prosthetic replacements and those at increased risk, that preventive antibiotics should be administered.

“However, following research in 2008, NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) issued guidance […] stating that preventive antibiotics are not routinely recommended for dental treatment in at-risk patients.

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