DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 69 years old and in fairly good health.

Three years ago my doctor prescribed clindamycin to be taken before dental procedures. I have since switched doctors and now my new doctor says this is not necessary. I am willing to discontinue using the antibiotic but am wondering if 1.) use in the past has any harmful effect and 2.) how do I get the dental staff convinced I don’t need it?

DEAR READER: For many years dentists and physicians have been routinely prescribing one or two doses of antibiotics prior to dental work if the patient has heart disease, stents or deformed heart valves. Recent studies have shown that such antibiotic coverage is not particularly useful in helping patients to avoid heart infections, so antibiotic therapy is now only recognized as appropriate in certain instances. Your doctor can advise you in more detail.
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