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)

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)

Characteristics of Common Oral Infections

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

University of Notre Dame

The digestive system, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, helps the body digest and process food, starting with the mouth and ending at the anus. The digestive system is vulnerable to pathogenic attacks, hence GI diseases are quite common. Such diseases include those caused by infection or intoxication, the former often being caused by contaminated food and water.

Digestive System

OpenStax Concepts of Biology provides the necessary breadth and depth for core Biology concepts.

Link: https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology/

OpenStax Biology 2nd Edition

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.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Some parts of the digestive system include:

- Mouth/Oral cavity
- Accessory Digestive Organs
- Pharynx
- Esophagus 
- Stomach
- Small Intestine
- Large Intestine
- Rectum 
- Anus

(Photo credits in References)

Anatomy of the Digestive System

Microbial Infections of the Mouth and Oral Cavity

Common bacterial infections of the GI tract include:

- Staphylococcal Food Poisoning
- Shigellosis (Bacillary Dysentery)
- Salmonellosis
- Typhoid Fever
- *E. coli* Infections
- Cholera and Other Vibrios
- Campylobacter jejuni Gastroenteritis
- Peptic Ulcers
- Clostridium perfingens Gasteroenteritis
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Foodborne Illness Due to Bacillus cereus
- Foodborne Illness Due to Yersinia

Bacterial Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Some viral infections of the GI tract include:

- Gastroenteritis
- Hepatitis

Learn Before

Related

Learn After