Infections of the Mouth

A large variety of microorganisms, including bacteria (Streptococcus, Neisseria, etc.), fungi (Candida albicans), and protozoa (Trichomonas tenax), found in the mouth.

A biofilm of bacteria that forms on teeth, providing a habitat for microbes.

Bacteria that thrive in environments with no oxygen.

Tooth decay caused by bacteria turning sugars into acids that erode tooth enamel.

The hard, outer layer of a tooth that protects it.

A hole in a tooth caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel and dentin by bacteria.

Fluid in the mouth containing minerals that can help repair tooth enamel.

Bacteria accumulate on teeth, forming a biofilm.

Bacteria in the mouth can harm the teeth through plaque formation, leading to dental caries.

Dental caries is the most common infectious disease affecting humans.

Oral alpha-hemolytic viridans streptococci, like Streptococcus mutans, are the main cause of tooth decay.

Sugary substances like sucrose allow bacteria to create sticky layers (biofilms) on teeth.

A combination of bacteria, especially anaerobes like Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas gingivalis, cause periodontal disease.

Inflammation of the gums (gingiva), often due to plaque buildup.

Pain in teeth, often resulting from infection in the tooth's pulp.

Spaces between the gums and teeth that deepen with inflammation, increasing risk of loosening or loss of teeth.

Hardened plaque that forms on teeth.

Paramyxovirus, an RNA virus that infects the salivary glands.

Fever, malaise, and inflammation of the salivary glands (especially parotid glands),.

The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps.

The human mouth contains many microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, collectively known as normal flora.

Saliva contains minerals that help repair tooth enamel, counteracting the effects of acid.

Limiting sugary snacks and regularly brushing/flossing helps reduce plaque buildup.

The layer under the enamel, sensitive to decay.

Toothache is pain caused by infection in the pulp, the inner part of a tooth containing blood vessels and nerves.

Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria found in the mouth, is the main cause of dental caries (tooth decay).

Fructans and glucans are sticky polymers made by bacteria from sugar, which form plaque on teeth.

The bacteria in plaque ferment sugar, producing acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, caused by a community of bacteria.

Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, is the first stage of periodontal disease, causing swelling, redness, and bleeding.

Obligate anaerobes are bacteria that need an environment without oxygen to survive, like some bacteria in periodontal disease.

Regular brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent periodontal disease by removing plaque buildup.

The Mumps virus is an RNA virus that causes swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands.

The MMR vaccine, which includes measles, mumps, and rubella, is the best way to prevent mumps.