Accumulating plaque can bleed into the gingival space, causing it to become anaerobic and allowing for bacteria such as Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Porphyromonas to colonize. Bacterial products promote inflammation and tissue damage. Methanogenic archaeans have been theorized to also contribute to periodontal disease progression.

Periodontal Diseases Caused by Plaque-Associated Bacteria

Periodontal disease can cause some conditions to develop including:

- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Trench Mouth

Conditions Caused by Periodontal Diseases

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

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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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

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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