Viridans

Viridans are a group of naturally occurring bacteria that normally live in the mouth and throat. They are usually harmless, but can sometimes enter the bloodstream or other parts of the body, especially if the mouth is injured or during dental procedures. When they do, they can cause infections such as endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart’s inner lining. Despite their potential to cause infection, viridans bacteria are a normal part of our microbiome and often do not cause problems unless they gain access to areas where they shouldn't be.