So, are cavities contagious? Although it might surprise you, cavities are contagious, and getting a cavity is like getting a cold in the winter.
Sugary items (sweet) typically bring on dental decay and cavities, and research has shown that cavities can spread.
It’s because bacteria are to blame for tooth decay and enamel deterioration.
Also, moms will likely transfer these bacteria that cause cavities to their offspring and spouses.
We also have articles on:
- Must you smoke after tooth extraction? READ THIS FIRST!
- How Long Do Veneers Last On Teeth? Cost and Procedures
- Charcoal Toothbrush: Dental Benefits, Side effects, and How to use!
Cavities can spread from one individual to another.
Studies on kissing couples have revealed that if one spouse has poor oral hygiene, even if the other has never had a cavity before, a cavity could still form in the partner’s mouth.
Couples can get cavities and gum disease through mouth-to-mouth activities that involve the transmission of bacteria from their mouths.
As a result, the next time you taste your child’s meal or lean in for a kiss with your partner, take a moment to think and be sure they have no cavities.
Remember to brush, floss, and consume sugar-free gum to remove bacteria that could cause cavities and lessen the transmission risk.
Table of Contents
Are cavities contagious? What is a tooth cavity?
Cavities are little holes or openings in the hard surfaces of the teeth that are permanently damaged.
Cavities commonly referred to as tooth decay or caries are caused by several factors, including bacteria, excessive eating, sugary beverages, and poor teeth cleaning.
Among the most prevalent health issues worldwide are cavities and tooth decay.
Particularly prevalent among kids, teenagers, and older adults. However, no one with teeth is an exception to having cavities, including young children.
Cavities get worse and damage the deeper layers of your teeth if left untreated.
They might result in unpleasant dental conditions like tooth loss and infections.
The best way to guide against tooth decay and cavities is regular dental checkups and good brushing and flossing practices.
Do Tooth Cavities Spread?
Are cavities contagious? It can come as a surprise to find that tooth cavities can spread.
Swapping spit is another way to contract a cavity, much like a cold sore. Sugar accumulation that corrodes teeth can bring out cavities.
However, research has shown that individuals with poor oral hygiene might spread cavities through direct contact.
Indeed, kissing can cause a person to have a cavity in their tooth. It is particularly typical if your partner has terrible dental hygiene.
Discovery was made by analyzing couples kissing.
The bacteria in saliva help the early stages of cavities survive. Therefore, when two people kiss vigorously, they can spread these dangerous pathogens to one another.
The same is true for mothers who are too close to their children; they risk causing the child to develop a cavity in a tooth.
Bacteria that cause cavities are hazardous to young children and newborns.
Often, a youngster with a cavity has inherited it from their caretaker.
It frequently occurs when a parent uses their mouth to check the meal temperature of a youngster.
Before feeding your baby, avoid tasting the food. By doing this, you encourage the spread of bacteria that can result in oral health problems!
Cavity care entails controlling the rapid colonization of the cariogenic bacteria in the mouths of young infants.
Also read: You Kiss Someone With A Cold Sore? Here’s The Best Solution
To kill bacteria and germs located in the mouth, people should clean their teeth right away after eating, in other words.
Streptococcus mutans infections were present in 30% of infants under three months old, 60% of infants under six months old, and 80% of toddlers.
This particular bacterial strain contributes to tooth decay.
Healthful tooth care to follow
Are cavities contagious? Bacteria that cause cavities can spread from one person to another.
Everybody knows that you may get a cold or the flu from someone else, but experts have discovered that it’s also quite common to catch cavities.
Cavity-causing bacteria can be spread from one person to another in the same way that the cold virus can. Children and infants are more at risk.
By sharing food and utensils, sneezing, kissing, and other actions, germs can easily pass from mouth to mouth.
The following are healthy tips to follow to prevent contacting the tooth cavity.
Be Careful What You Share
You may be a victim of streptococcus bacteria infiltrating your mouth if you engage in these behaviors, such as taking a chunk off your spouse’s fork or sipping from someone else’s glass.
Saliva can swiftly transmit cavity-causing germs that are present in your mouth.
Sharing foods, drinks, or even chapstick might unintentionally spread your bacteria to the other person and the other way around.
Also, avoid sharing utensils or even tasting food before presenting it to young children if you are a parent.
If you sneeze, cover your mouth, and if you’re still worried, kiss your child on the cheek rather than the lips.
Use excellent oral hygiene techniques
To stop contagious bacteria from growing in your mouth, you must brush twice a day for a full two minutes and floss daily.
Additionally, using a mouth rinse can aid in preventing the bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
Increase Saliva Production
It’s well known that increasing saliva production helps wash away bacteria in your mouth, which helps fight bacteria that cause cavities.
Drink Water
Water helps to flush out the sugar and leftover food debris in your mouth while stimulating saliva production, whether you prefer bottled or fluoridated tap water.
Your salivary glands and your mouth’s flow of saliva are both maintained by water.
Utilize a mouthwash
Without a doubt, you will require a filling to stop tooth decay if a cavity has developed.
Have a mouthwash with chlorhexidine, a potent antiseptic that kills off bacteria and can stop decay from turning into cavities, prescribed by your dentist if you have early-stage dental decay.
Gum chewing
To increase saliva production, chew sugar-free gum up to three times daily.
Choose a brand that contains the artificial sweetener Xylitol, which promotes saliva production and aids in the battle against dangerous microorganisms.
Think of Food
Start picturing yourself eating something to increase salivation. Your body produces extra saliva in anticipation of the impending meal when it senses it is time to eat.
How Do Cavities Form?
Are cavities contagious? There are many reasons why cavities might form, including infection. But they consistently include in the same way.
Your teeth develop plaque, a sticky bacterial film. These bacteria excrete acid when consuming sugar.
The acid plaque bacteria damages your tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. When you eat foods that are heavy in sugar or acid, the process expedites.
Plaque becomes tartar, a hard substance if you don’t eliminate it. Only a dentist can remove it at that stage.
Why Are Cavities Dangerous?
Are cavities contagious? You could believe that a small hole in your tooth is nothing to be concerned about.
However, tooth pain can develop swiftly. It might even put your life in danger.
Cavities eventually become dangerous since they are permanent and keep growing.
Tooth decay can affect your nerves if eaten through your enamel and dentin.
Cavities at this point cause terrible discomfort. The least of your concerns at that point is losing a tooth.
Cavities could worsen if you continue to ignore them. Your cheeks and lymph nodes may become infected with tooth decay.
In the end, heart disease and strokes may result from the degradation and infection. And that is undeniably a life-threatening situation.
Children’s cavities are even more contagious. According to research, 30% of infants under three months old, 60% of infants under six months old, and 80% of toddlers under two years old have bacteria that cause cavities.
It is because their parents passed on the contagious cavities to them.
Parents can easily expose their children to bacteria that cause cavities, regardless of how attentive and considerate they are. Adults can spread the infection to other adults.
Bottom Line
The truth about the question “are cavities contagious” may surprise you. People can contract tooth cavities from other people.
Consider the way spit-swapping can cause someone to catch a cavity. According to studies, cavities can spread from person to person.
Additionally, research shows that kissing might cause a cavity in one individual to spread to another.
Saliva contains bacteria, and kissing can spread bacteria from one person to another. It implies that dangerous microorganisms can spread from person to person.
To prevent the damage from worsening, see a dentist if you have a cavity or notice one developing.
