<P> Numerous kinds of bacteria grow in the mouth . `` They are competing for food and places to grow '' and the many hard surfaces in the mouth provide an ideal place for bacteria and biofilms to grow and reproduce . Unlike most other places in or on the body , the mouth does not desquamate ( shed ) . A tooth 's distinct surface and stagnant nature makes it optimal for populations and growth of micro-organisms and bacteria , resulting in dental plaque . To grow and flourish in the mouth , biofilms go through four main stages of growth . First , bacteria must be deposited from saliva onto a surface where it can attach . Then the bacteria , or micro-organisms , grow and replicate . Since bacteria can grow exponentially in short periods of time , it can quickly and easily create biofilms . Third , the biofilm matures and accumulates more mass on the surface . Bacteria can continue to divide and grow by binary fission until nutrients begin to run out or their growth is inhibited . When this happens there is the final stage , the dispersal or detachment , causing the death of the bacteria . Some oral bacteria , Streptococcus gordonii for example , can not last for long periods without nutrients , while other types of bacteria can survive for weeks . While in their prime , biofilms can cause major damage to a person 's teeth and gums . Though damaging , biofilms can be partly removed by brushing and flossing and `` some of it comes off with rinsing or eating . '' We never really lose all of it because it is constantly being replenished by our own saliva . Bacteria can then reattach and start to grow and the cycle continues . Bacteria and its growth are two of the principal components of oral ecology . </P>
<P> Numerous kinds of bacteria grow in the mouth . `` They are competing for food and places to grow '' and the many hard surfaces in the mouth provide an ideal place for bacteria and biofilms to grow and reproduce . Unlike most other places in or on the body , the mouth does not desquamate ( shed ) . A tooth 's distinct surface and stagnant nature makes it optimal for populations and growth of micro-organisms and bacteria , resulting in dental plaque . To grow and flourish in the mouth , biofilms go through four main stages of growth . First , bacteria must be deposited from saliva onto a surface where it can attach . Then the bacteria , or micro-organisms , grow and replicate . Since bacteria can grow exponentially in short periods of time , it can quickly and easily create biofilms . Third , the biofilm matures and accumulates more mass on the surface . Bacteria can continue to divide and grow by binary fission until nutrients begin to run out or their growth is inhibited . When this happens there is the final stage , the dispersal or detachment , causing the death of the bacteria . Some oral bacteria , Streptococcus gordonii for example , can not last for long periods without nutrients , while other types of bacteria can survive for weeks . While in their prime , biofilms can cause major damage to a person 's teeth and gums . Though damaging , biofilms can be partly removed by brushing and flossing and `` some of it comes off with rinsing or eating . '' We never really lose all of it because it is constantly being replenished by our own saliva . Bacteria can then reattach and start to grow and the cycle continues . Bacteria and its growth are two of the principal components of oral ecology . </P>
where does bacteria in the mouth come from
where does bacteria in the mouth come from
saliva
saliva