New research from Tampere University in Finland that found a surprising connection between oral bacteria and coronary artery disease.
Scientists examined arterial plaque samples from over 200 patients, 121 who died suddenly and 96 who had undergone surgery, and discovered that many of these hardened blockages in the arteries contained DNA from bacteria commonly found in the mouth, especially viridans streptococci.
These bacteria were present in about 42 percent of both groups, suggesting a consistent link. While previous studies have hinted at a connection between poor oral hygiene and heart problems, this study offers more concrete evidence by showing that oral bacteria don’t just circulate, they embed themselves in the actual plaque clogging arteries. The researchers used a range of advanced lab techniques, including genetic analysis and antibody tagging, to confirm the presence of bacterial biofilms, or thin layers of bacteria, at the very core of the plaques. These biofilms, hidden from the immune system, appear to contribute to the instability of plaques, especially when the body is under stress. If something else, like a respiratory infection, poor diet, or even stress hormones, triggers inflammation, these bacterial clusters could cause the plaque to rupture, cutting off blood flow and leading to a heart attack. What makes this especially concerning is that these bacteria are likely there long before any symptoms show up, lying dormant until another factor lights the fuse.
source
Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Evades Immune Detection and Contributes to Inflammation and Rupture of Atherosclerotic Plaques
Author: Pekka J. Karhunen, Tanja Pessi, Sohvi Hörkkö, Vesa Karhunen, et al.
Publication: Journal of the American Heart Association Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
Date: Aug 6, 2025
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