Plaque bacteria breaks down sucrose from food, producing glucose and fructose. Glucose contributes to the plaque biofilm development while fructose ferments and produces lactic acid that dissolves enamel and dentin. These cariogenic bacteria species include Streptococcus and Actinomyces.

Dental Caries Promoted by Cariogenic Bacteria

Dental Decay Progression (Figure 24.7). Reprinted from OpenStax Microbiology (p. 987), by N. Parker, M. Shneegurt, A.-h. Thi Tu, B. M. Forester, and P. Lister, 2016, Rice University. Copyright 2016 by Rice University.

Dental Decay Progression

Lesions in the teeth due to tooth decay by microbes. Microbes are attracted to the food in saliva that comes into contact with teeth, forming a biofilm called plaque that contains many bacterial species that promote tooth decay.

(Photo credits in References)

University of Notre Dame

Despite defenses against them, some microbes continue to inhabit the mouth which can lead to diseases and infections including:

- Dental Caries
- Peridontal Disease
- Oral Thrush
- Herpetic Gingivostomatitis
- Mumps

Microbial Infections of the Mouth and Oral Cavity

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https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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Dental Caries

Disease caused by microbial infections leading to inflammation and damage in tissues and areas around the teeth.

Periodontal Disease

Herpetic gingivostomatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the mouth and gums, typically caused by a herpes virus infection.

Herpetic Gingivostomatitis

Candida (yeast) infection or overgrowth in the oral cavity

(Photo credits in References)

Oral Thrush

An illness of the parotid glands caused by the mumps virus and leading to swelling

(Photo credits in References)

Mumps

The main characteristics of mouth and oral cavity infections are depicted in the table below.

(Photo credits in References)

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