Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including brain or heart infections. A growing number of older adults have something to smile about: research shows they're keeping their teeth longer.
in order to cause disease, pathogens must do what?
1. access host via portal of entry or adhering to host tissue
2. penetrate host/evade host defenses
3. damage host cells, either directly or via accumulation of microbial waste products
