sanguinis is a commensal bacterium that is widely distributed in the oral cavity. It exists on tooth surfaces, oral mucosa surfaces and in human saliva [20,29,30]. As a facultative anaerobic species, S. sanguinis is abundant in both supragingival and subgingival plaque [15,31].

Where is strep sanguinis found?

S. sanguinis is a normal inhabitant of the healthy human mouth where it is particularly found in dental plaque, where it modifies the environment to make it less hospitable for other strains of Streptococcus that cause cavities, such as Streptococcus mutans.

What causes Streptococcus sanguinis?

S sanguis, an α-haemolytic Gram positive coccus, is normally resident within gingival crevices and occasionally in the gastrointestinal tract. It is implicated in endocarditis after dental work or in severe periodontal disease.