The attitude of patients at risk for infective endocarditis toward dental treatment.

This study deals with four major characteristics that directly affect motivation and attitude of patients at risk for infective endocarditis (IE) toward oro-dental health. Dental anxiety, self image, recognized importance of oro-dental care, and active coping were self-assessed by 25 patients at risk for IE and by a matched control group. The study group demonstrated less dental anxiety, lower self image and higher levels of recognized importance of oro-dental care than the controls, while active coping did not differ between the two groups. A review of the relevant literature is also presented.