Are cavities contagious?
This is a common question many patients ask at Junction Family Dental Care, especially parents worried about passing cavities on to their kids or couples curious if they can “catch” them from each other.
As you know, keeping up with good dental habits is important for staying healthy.
But when it comes to cavities, there are some surprising things to know about how bacteria can spread from one person to another.
In this article, we’ll break down how cavities happen, how bacteria can move between mouths, and most importantly, how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Cavities, often referred to as dental caries, are spots of tooth decay brought on by harmful bacteria that thrive on the sugars in your diet.
These bacteria produce acids that weaken your tooth enamel, and if left untreated, cavities can advance into deeper layers of the tooth, leading to pain, infection, and even the possibility of tooth loss.
To gain a better understanding of this process, you might want to check out our article on What Should a Tooth Extraction Look Like When Healing?
First off, it’s good to know that cavities and the bacteria that create them are not the same thing.
You can’t catch a cavity from someone like you would catch a cold.
But the bacteria that cause cavities, especially one called Streptococcus mutans, can actually spread through saliva.
This usually happens when people share food, utensils, or even kiss.
Studies show you won’t catch a cavity itself, but if you're around someone with high levels of these bacteria, you might end up with them in your mouth.
The best way to stay safe is to keep up with good oral hygiene and see the dentist regularly.
Cavities don’t actually “jump” from one person to another, but the bacteria that cause them, mostly Streptococcus mutans, can be passed through saliva.
So you could share these cavity, causing germs by things like kissing, using the same utensils or cups, sharing straws, tasting someone else's food, or even cleaning a pacifier with your mouth before giving it to a kid.
For instance, if a parent with untreated cavities shares their utensils with their child, they might end up passing the bacteria along.
That’s why it’s important to focus on preventive dental care early on.
Anyone can get cavities, but some people are more at risk due to how bacteria spreads.
Kids are at the top of the list since their enamel is softer and their mouths are still figuring things out.
Couples also need to be cautious because sharing food and kissing can swap bacteria around.
If one partner has a weaker immune system, it becomes harder for both partners to fight off illness.
And let’s not forget those who don’t take care of their teeth, smoke, drink too much alcohol, and let plaque build up, which creates a home for bacteria.
If you’ve got braces, you need to be extra careful since food can get stuck more easily. Be sure to check out our guide on that.
It's really important to catch the early signs of a cavity so you can deal with it before it gets worse:
If you're experiencing any of these issues, reach out to Junction Family Dental Care for a checkup.
You can also check out our post on How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Canada for more info.
To prevent cavities from spreading and to avoid getting cavities in the first place, follow these steps:
1. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth.
3. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to lower harmful bacteria.
4. Don’t share utensils, straws, or toothbrushes.
5. Avoid cleaning your child's pacifier with your mouth.
6. Be careful about kissing if you have active cavities.
7. Visit your dentist for checkups and teeth cleaning regularly.
At Junction Family Dental Care, we suggest having checkups every six months.
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about cavity transmission:
A cavity starts with the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, on the tooth surface.
When it’s not removed by brushing and flossing, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans process sugars from your diet and produce acids.
These acids break down enamel and eventually create holes, or cavities.
You can’t “catch” a cavity directly, but you can be exposed to the bacteria that cause cavities through kissing, especially if your partner has poor oral hygiene.
The best way to reduce a child’s risk is by practicing good oral hygiene yourself and avoiding actions like sharing utensils or cleaning pacifiers in your own mouth.
Yes, new strains can be introduced throughout life via close contact, not just in childhood.
Keeping up with brushing, flossing, regular dental visits, and avoiding the sharing of personal items can greatly reduce the risk of spreading harmful bacteria.
Are cavities contagious?
Cavities themselves aren't contagious, but the bacteria that cause them can spread through saliva.
To protect your teeth and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria to your loved ones, practice good oral hygiene, eat healthy foods, and visit your dentist regularly.
If you think you might have a cavity or want to prevent them, schedule an appointment with Junction Family Dental Care today.
Your smile, and your family’s smiles, will thank you.
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