What is Causing my Cavities?
What is Causing my Cavities? Specific bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans cause cavities. These bacteria are aerobic meaning they require oxygen to survive; having a dry mouth increases the chance for cavities. Cavity causing bacteria are different than the bacteria that cause gum disease, which lives in an anaerobic environment. Both of these bacteria can be passed from person to person. Plaque is also known as Biofilm. A microbial biofilm is a layer of prokaryotic organisms which adhere to a surface and are coated with a polysaccharide layer. The biofilm increases the prokaryotic cells survival through increased defense, availability of nutrients, cellular communication, and the ability to transfer genetic material to each other. A polysaccharide is composed of more than one sugar molecule. Carbohydrates, Starch, Cellulose, and Glycogen are polysaccharides. How the cavity is formed ...