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Are cavities contagious?Cavities are not directly contagious from person to person, but the bacteria that cause them can be spread through saliva. This means that the bacteria can be transferred from one person to another, even without direct contact.
What is a cavity?
A cavity (tooth decay or dental caries) is a visible hole in the hard outer layer of a tooth called the enamel. Cavities are a common dental problem. About 90% of Americans over the age of 20 have had a cavity.
A small hole in the tooth enamel is considered an early stage of cavity formation and can be repaired through remineralization. If decay is not addressed, damage to the deeper layers of dentin and pulp will occur.
What causes cavities?
Your mouth has 200-300 types of bacteria that form plaque, a sticky film naturally found on your teeth. Most of these promote oral health. They act as a defense against bacteria that cause cavities and disease.
A limited number of these bacteria are responsible for tooth decay (dental caries). A harmful bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans is the primary cause of dental decay. Various lactobacilli are associated with the progression of cavities in young children.
Cavities form when bacteria produce acid as a byproduct of metabolizing starches, sugary food particles, and drinks. The acid attacks the tooth’s enamel, causing it to lose minerals (demineralization). A loss of minerals appears as a white spot on the tooth—an early sign of decay.
The early stages of tooth decay can be stopped or reversed. Minerals from saliva and fluoride from toothpaste can replenish what’s been lost. If demineralization exceeds the replacement of minerals, the enamel continues to break down, forming a cavity.
The most common way to develop cavities is poor oral hygiene.
Can cavities spread from one person to another?
As mentioned above, cavities are not contagious, but the bacteria that cause them spread through saliva and can transfer from one person to another with or without direct contact. For example, indirect contact, such as sharing food and eating utensils with a loved one, can spread the bacteria.
Indirect and close contact increases the possibility of exchanging oral bacteria. Good oral hygiene decreases or eliminates the risk.
Can cavities spread from mother to child
Maintaining good oral health is a priority while you’re pregnant. When you brush your teeth during pregnancy, you’re brushing for two. A pregnant person with poor oral health is more likely to pass cavity-causing bacteria to their newborn. However, any caregiver can be a potential source of transmission.
Older research pointed out that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay can be passed from mother to baby.
Modes of transmission include:
- Snuggling or rubbing cheeks or noses together.
- Sharing eating utensils.
- Blowing on food to cool it.
- Kissing the baby on the mouth or face.
Caregivers with cavities also often pass on bad habits (high sugar intake, poor oral hygiene).
Can cavities spread from kissing
Poor dental hygiene causes plaque and oral bacteria to build up. When saliva is exchanged through kissing, cavity-causing bacteria can spread. So, it depends on your partner’s oral hygiene habits and your own.
or call us at How can I decrease my risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria?
Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome depends on factors such as a nutritious diet, individual sensitivity, and good oral care.
Good dental hygiene practices include:
- Brushing twice a day
- Daily flossing—reaches places your toothbrush cannot
- Regular checkups
- Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks
- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
- Use mouthwash to remove any leftover food particles
Adherence to recommended oral hygiene habits determines the risk of cavity formation.
When the integrity of a tooth breaks down, comprehensive dental care such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or tooth extractions are needed. This can result in a hefty dental bill!
To remain cavity-free, call MD Periodontists for an appointment with Dr. Moshrefi or Dr. Daneshmand.
Choose MD Periodontists in Los Angeles for high-quality dental care
MD Periodontal is the premier Beverly Hills periodontal facility for high-quality dental care. Located in Beverly Hills, we provide many orthodontics and dental services. Our patients are not only local but come to us from around the world for our highly-rated oral surgery outcomes.
Dr. Abdy Moshrefi, DDS, and Dr. Nazanin Daneshmand, DDS, and their highly qualified, dedicated, professional staff form a team that provides top-of-the-line technology and skills earned from extensive experience. Our goal is always to help you have the best smile and oral health possible.
Schedule a consultation online or call us at our office phone number (855) 245-1100. A spa-like atmosphere, staffed by a team who genuinely care about your smile, awaits you at our dental office!
MD Periodontics is conveniently located for patients throughout the metropolitan Los Angeles area. Our board-certified periodontists and implant dentistry experts are available at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, and Encino.
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