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Could cavities really be contagious? This question has parents and couples pondering their habits, especially when it comes to sharing kisses or food. In a viral TikTok video, Dr. Lila Anderson, a Houston-based dentist, asserted that cavities can indeed be transmissible. With her video garnering over a million views, many are left wondering if they should think twice before swapping saliva with a partner who has tooth decay. The clip featured her reflecting on a kiss with her spouse, who has cavities, and was captioned, “and that’s on cavities being contagious 🦠.”
To delve deeper into this claim, the Guardian consulted Dr. Mark Thompson, a distinguished professor at the University of California’s dental school. He confirmed that certain bacteria responsible for tooth decay can be transferred through activities like kissing. There have been instances of individuals developing cavities after a lifetime of good oral health simply because they entered into a relationship with someone who harbored high levels of decay-causing bacteria. “Exercise caution if your partner has significant tooth decay,” Dr. Thompson advised. “Encourage them to see a dentist for treatment.” However, he reassured that even if someone does acquire these bacteria, maintaining good oral hygiene through a balanced diet, regular brushing, and dental visits can effectively combat the risk of developing cavities. “Many people carry these bacteria but do not have tooth decay,” he added.
What About Children?
But what about children? Should parents be worried about their kids “catching” cavities? Pediatric dentist Dr. Emma Clarke from Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry in Seattle weighed in on the matter. “I wouldn’t necessarily say cavities are contagious, but bacteria can definitely be transferred,” she explained. “While most parents don’t kiss their kids on the mouth, it’s wise to avoid sharing utensils or using your mouth to clean pacifiers.”
Dr. Clarke emphasized the importance of treating your own cavities to minimize the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to your child. “If you have had your decay treated, your bacteria levels will drop, making it less likely for your child to be affected,” she noted. Children’s mouths are especially vulnerable to decay when they are teething or getting their permanent teeth, so extra care is necessary during those times. Despite the concerns, Dr. Clarke reassured parents not to obsess over the potential for contagious cavities. “I wouldn’t be overly worried,” she said. “Many kids acquire these bacteria regardless of the source.”
Focus on Oral Hygiene
Ultimately, both Dr. Thompson and Dr. Clarke stressed the importance of good oral hygiene practices over concerns about bacteria transfer. “Focus on regular brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet,” Dr. Clarke advised. “These factors are far more crucial than worrying about bacteria from others. Many individuals have these bacteria without experiencing decay.”
For more insights on managing oral health and its connections to overall wellness, check out our other blog posts, including one on the topic of home insemination techniques. For those looking for reliable resources on pregnancy, you can also visit WomensHealth.gov.
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In summary, while cavities may not be literally contagious in the same way as a cold, the bacteria that cause decay can indeed be transferred through close contact. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best defense against cavities for both adults and children.