I have been taking clopidogrel for a number of years. After two weeks of weariness and fever, my doctor recently diagnosed Infective Endocarditis by blood cultures. An echocardiogram indicated a bicuspid aortic valve, and listening to the chest using a stethoscope the doctor could also detect a slight murmur. His doctor had asked me if I had had any dental treatment recently. i admitted that I had not seen a dentist for a number of years and a cursory investigation revealed dental caries and inflammation of the gums. I avoid the dentist because of bleeding in my mouth following visits. Also. What is the connection between Clopidogrel and bleeding gums AND when should prophalytic antibiotics should be prescribed prior to oral treatments.?