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

When bacteria in the mouth eat food they poop acid. That acid mixes with food and saliva to make ‘plaque’. The plaque sticks to your teeth. The acid in the plaque dissolves the surface of your tooth (enamel), creating holes (cavities).