<unk>  Thrush, a common condition caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Cases are characterized by growth of matted, yellow-white patches of fungus in the mouth.<unk>  is the study of the microorganisms (microbiota) of the<unk>  cavity and their interactions between<unk>  microorganisms or with the host. The environment present in the human mouth is suited to the growth of characteristic microorganisms found there. It provides a source of water and nutrients, as well as a moderate temperature. Resident microbes of the mouth adhere to the teeth and gums to resist mechanical flushing from the mouth to stomach where acid-sensitive microbes are destroyed by hydrochloric acid. Anaerobic bacteria in the<unk>  cavity include: Actinomyces, Arachnia (Propionibacterium propionicus), Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium, Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Leptotrichia, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Propionibacterium, Selenomonas, Treponema, and Veillonella. Genera of fungi that are frequently found in the mouth include Candida, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Glomus, Alternaria, Penicillium, and Cryptococcus, among others. Bacteria accumulate on both the hard and soft<unk>  tissues in biofilms. Bacterial adhesion is particularly important for<unk>  bacteria.<unk>  bacteria have evolved mechanisms to sense their environment and evade or modify the host. Bacteria occupy the ecological niche provided by both the tooth surface and mucosal epithelium. Factors of note that have been found to affect the microbial colonization of the<unk>  cavity include the pH, oxygen concentration and availability at specific<unk>  surfaces, mechanical forces acting upon<unk>  surfaces, salivary and fluid flow through the<unk>  cavity, and age. However, a highly efficient innate host defense system constantly monitors the bacterial colonization and prevents bacterial invasion of local tissues. A dynamic equilibrium exists between dental plaque bacteria and the innate host defense system. Of particular interest is the role of<unk>  microorganisms in the two major dental diseases: dental caries and periodontal disease. Additionally, research has correlated poor<unk>  heath and the resulting ability of the<unk>  microbiota to invade the body to affect cardiac health as well as cognitive function.
Oral microbiology
Dermatopathology
HEENT examination
Eye examination
Hearing test
Venereology
Saliva testing
Digital pathology