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A typically safe heart valve problem can affect a trip to the dentist

Every time you have work done on your teeth, bacteria gets into the bloodstream. People with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a common heart condition that is often harmless, are at risk for getting an infection called "bacterial endocarditis." This is due to the leakage of blood across the mitral valve. If left untreated, this infection can cause serious damage to the heart valves. That is why doctors recommend antibiotics as a precautionary measure before dental work or any other procedures that can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.

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