Oral Bacteria Linked to Heart Attack Risk
- Gyeonghyun Cho
- Sep 23
- 1 min read
Sep 23, 2025
Gyeonghyun Cho
According to a recent study, common oral and throat bacteria may be heart attack triggers. Viridans group Streptococci, which are typically found in dental plaque and saliva, were commonly found in arterial blockages, according to research that looked at patient samples of coronary plaque. It is well known that these bacteria can create biofilms, and when they become active, they can penetrate arterial plaque and cause inflammation. A heart attack may result from the rupture of the plaque caused by such inflammation. This finding supports previous studies that inflammation is a major factor in the development of heart disease.
Viridan streptococci in the oral cavity are generally harmless, but they can cause problems when they enter the bloodstream. According to experts, these bacteria can worsen arterial plaque accumulation or cause infections such as endocarditis. Medical experts recommend focusing on preventive measures instead of focusing on alarms. Practicing good oral hygiene, getting dental care when needed, and keeping your respiratory disease vaccinations up to date can reduce cardiovascular risk. Scientists are also investigating the possibility that vaccines targeting bacterial biofilms could provide a new approach to preventing heart attacks in the future.
