Question

It is told in the chapter that the bacteria present in the mouth come and eat the sugar from the leftover food in the mouth and release acids. Where do these acids come from?

Answer 1

Bacteria produce these acids through bacterial fermentation of the leftover food. During fermentation of leftover food, bacteria breakdown sugars like glucose, fructose etc present in this food and produce acids like lactic acid. These acids damage the enamel of teeth and cause dental cavities.