MVP and Endocarditis

Antibiotic prophylaxis for those with MVP  is required before a dental appointment due to risk that the bacteria in the mouth could enter the bloodstream and thereby potentially infect the mitral valve leading to endocarditis.

My question is:  What if one bites her lip, accidentally cuts her mouth, or her gums bleed when brushing or flossing?  Is there risk of endocarditis in these situations--where blood and bacteria-ridden saliva mix?

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Melissa,

Not to scare you but there is always a low level of bacteria in our blood strean that our body defends against.  However, these incidents do not cause large overwhelming bacteria in the blood stream that may increase the liklihood of endocarditis.