Reducing Risk for Infective Endocarditis (IE): A Randomized Trial of a Professional Scaling and Oral Hygiene Instruction Intervention to Reduce Tooth Brushing-Associated Bacteremia
This clinical trial is studying if bacteria found in a participant's bloodstream after brushing their teeth can be prevented with a dental cleaning and more education on how to best brush and care for their teeth. One group of participants will have a dental cleaning and oral health instructions and the other group of participants will not. Researchers will compare the blood test results from the two groups to see if the education made a difference in preventing bacteria and how long it stays in the bloodstream.
• Age 18 years or older.
• Greater than 6 months since last dental hygiene prophylaxis (cleaning).
• 10 or more accessible teeth (including implants, with a minimum of 8 natural teeth).
• Willing and able to provide informed consent.
• Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.
• Willing to forgo routine professional dental cleanings while enrolled in the trial.