Albertville, AL
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States, although most people don’t consider cavities a disease. Instead, they think it is not a big deal because their dentist can fix it. But have you ever thought about spreading the germs that cause cavities? We all know that colds and other illnesses are easily spread to others. But can you catch cavities? Well, not in the same way as a cold. Today on the blog, we’re answering the question, are cavities contagious?
First, let’s explore what causes cavities.
Cavities or tooth decay are a result of oral bacteria. We all have bacteria in our mouths. Some bacteria are good, which help aid in digestion and stimulate saliva to reduce bad breath. But we also have harmful bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. People that practice good oral hygiene have less harmful bacteria.
What makes certain bacteria “bad?”
Harmful bacteria break down food particles in your mouth and secrete acids that erode dental enamel and infect the gums if not removed often enough. For most individuals, brushing twice a day and flossing daily is enough to keep most harmful bacteria at bay, and these oral hygiene efforts reduce the acids that cause tooth decay. Someone that does not practice daily oral hygiene has a higher risk of cavities and gum disease because of an influx of harmful oral bacteria.
Are cavities really contagious?
The answer is somewhat, but you can’t catch a cavity like colds or the flu. And it’s not really that cavities themselves are contagious. Instead, it’s the cavity-causing bacteria that can spread by kissing (even if it’s just on the lips), eating after someone else, drinking after other people, or any other activity that could swap saliva.
What does this mean for your oral health?
This could be why some individuals continue getting cavities despite their efforts to practice excellent oral hygiene habits daily. If your partner doesn’t take good care of their teeth or they have gum disease or get cavities often, you’re at a higher risk of developing the same dental health problems.
Transmitting oral bacteria often happens between parents and children because parents may share their food with their kids using the same fork or spoon. Sometimes parents will clean their baby’s pacifier by “sucking” the germs off it before giving it to their child. These actions could harm your child’s oral health and increase their risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Since the bacteria that cause tooth decay is transmissible, you should think twice about who you kiss or eat and drink after because you could be harming your oral health without realizing it. Furthermore, if your partner does not practice good oral hygiene, encourage them to brush and floss daily to not only help improve their oral health and protect yours.
Family Dentists in Albertville
Maintaining good oral health and cavity prevention involves more than just brushing and flossing daily. You should also see the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. But in the meantime, be selective of who you kiss. You never know what’s going on in the other person’s mouth! Call Wall Street Dentistry at (256) 878-0525 or visit us online to learn more about protecting your oral health or schedule a consultation.
