Methods: A review of the relevant literature and an analysis of the ethics involved in risk/benefit decisions, both on the individual level and across populations.
Results: Although there is disagreement between cardiologists and dentists regarding the use of antibiotics in preventing endocarditis, the evidence shows that decreasing their use is the most sensible option, except in high-risk groups.
Conclusions: The "no-lose" philosophy is still present even in the era of evidence-based medicine. This approach, while attempting to reduce risk, actually increases it in some circumstances. -->