Why does bacteria in our mouth become harmful to our teeth, while bacteria inside our body is usually kept in check and co-exists within us?

Question

Why does bacteria in our mouth become harmful to our teeth, while bacteria inside our body is usually kept in check and co-exists within us?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Strep Mutans is a specific bacteria that has evolved the ability to infect tooth structure. It converts carbs into acid that dissolve tooth structure…. as they destroy the tooth they create their own microenvironment to thrive in. There are hundreds of other bacteria in your mouth that are harmless. Kind of like most of the bacteria in your gut is helpful but Salmonella will make you sick.