How Cavity-Causing Microbes can Invade your Heart

Scientists have discovered that bacteria, typically found in our mouths, is a tool that can be used to invade heart tissue, causing a dangerous and sometimes lethal infection of the heart known as endocarditis. S. mutans is a bacterium best known for causing cavities. Normally, S. mutans confine themselves to the mouth, but the bacteria can enter the bloodstream sometimes after a dental procedure or even after vigorous flossing. Our immune system usually destroys them, but occasionally – within just a few seconds – they travel to the heart and colonize its tissue, especially heart valves. The bacteria can cause endocarditis – inflammation of heart valves – which can be deadly. Infection by S. mutans is a leading cause of the condition. The study raises the possibility of creating a screening tool – perhaps a cheek swab or a spit test to gauge a dental patient’s vulnerability to the condition.