In: Anatomy and Physiology
Organisms that are most commonly associated with the fallout of teeth are bacteria belonging to the genus streptococci. Other than streptococci, lactobacilli are also involved in the fallout of the teeth. Among streptococci, streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus are associated with the fallout of teeth.
Teeth fallout is a complication of teeth decay (dental caries). Dental caries are breaks or cavities in the teeth due to destruction of the surface of the teeth (enamel) by acids produced by these bacteria during the fermentation of simple sugars like glucose present on the surface of the teeth. These bacteria (streptococcus mutans, streptococcus sobrinus) are present in the dental plaques on the surface of the teeth which produces acids during the fermentation of simple sugars like glucose, sucrose. These acids damage the surface of the teeth leading to the formation of cavities in the teeth which causes inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. As nerves are also exposed due to cavity formation in the teeth, pain is also felt. Other complications of teeth decay besides the fallout of teeth are inflammation of the gums and abscess (pus) formation in the tissues surrounding the teeth.