Bacterial endocarditis is a disease of the heart valves or the inner lining of the heart.
Bacteria lodge on these structures and begin to grow. This condition can sometimes be prevented by taking antibiotic medicine before an operation or other medical or dental procedure. Your child's doctor has determined that your child should receive antibiotics in the future to reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis. Always consult your doctor before any upcoming surgery or trip to the dentist about the need for antibiotics. Dental procedures where bleeding is not expected do not require taking antibiotics before hand.