Which statement about infective endocarditis prophylaxis guidelines is accurate?

• A. Antibiotic prophylaxis is unnecessary for dental procedures.
• B. Only dental hygiene matters; no prophylaxis
• C. Antibiotic prophylaxis before dental or invasive procedures according to guidelines, maintain good dental hygiene
• D. Prophylaxis should be given after invasive procedures only

Answer: (C)

Infective endocarditis prophylaxis is about preventing infection in people who are at risk, by reducing the chance that bacteria entering the bloodstream during certain procedures will seed damaged heart valves or prosthetic material. Guidelines identify who needs prophylaxis and which procedures can cause bacteremia, and they emphasize doing this before the procedure, not after, while also stressing the importance of good dental hygiene to minimize everyday bacteremia. Therefore, the statement that best fits is to give antibiotics before dental or invasive procedures according to guidelines, and to maintain good dental hygiene. This recognizes both the pre-procedure approach and the ongoing role of oral health in lowering risk.