ABSTRACT
The mouth is subject to the same types of lesions as other sites in the body, but these often show distinct features peculiar to the mouth. In addition, there are a number of specific lesions related to the teeth and their supporting tissues. Dental caries and non-specific chronic inflammation of the soft tissues related to the teeth, probably the most common diseases of humankind, are caused principally by oral bacteria. A highly complex bacterial flora is found in saliva, adherent to epithelium and in deposits on tooth surfaces. The dental plaque on teeth consists of many types of bacteria in an organic matrix of salivary and bacterial origin. This may calcify to form dental calculus.
