Cavities are one of the most common problems with teeth. Everyone, from children to adults, can get cavities, and since cavities are caused by bacteria, you might wonder if they can spread from one person to another. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in a tooth that happens when tooth decay isn’t treated. This hole can affect the hard parts (enamel, dentin, and cementum) and the soft part (pulp) of a tooth. Cavities start small but can get bigger if you don’t do anything about them.
Because tooth decay often doesn’t hurt, you might not notice a cavity getting worse. But once the decay reaches the teeth and gums, the problem becomes more serious.
Symptoms of Cavities
The most common signs of cavities include:
- Teeth that hurt when they’re hot or cold or when you eat something sweet.
- Holes or pits that you can see in your teeth.
- Toothaches.
- Teeth that are stained black or brown.
If you notice any of these things, see your dentist. A dentist can usually fix a cavity by taking out the bad part and filling the hole. There are different kinds of fillings, like silver, white, or porcelain.
Do Tooth Cavities Spread?
You might be surprised to know that cavities can spread and are contagious. Yes, just like you can catch a cold sore, you can also catch a cavity by sharing saliva. Cavities are usually caused by sugar buildup that rots teeth. But studies have shown that cavities can be passed from one person to another when they have close contact.
In fact, studies have found that a person can get a cavity on their tooth from kissing, especially if their partner has bad oral hygiene. This was found by looking at kissing couples.
The things that cause cavities live on the bacteria in saliva. So, when two people kiss a lot, they can pass these harmful bacteria to each other. The same thing can happen between mothers and their babies.
Babies and children are especially at risk for cavities. In many cases where a child has a cavity, they got it from their caregiver. One common way this happens is when a parent tests the temperature of a child’s food with their mouth.
Don’t taste food yourself before feeding it to your baby. By doing this, you can spread germs that can lead to bad oral health.
How to Prevent Cavities?
The best way to prevent cavities is to take good care of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and try to eat less sugar. It’s also important to see your dentist twice a year. This way, your dentist can find new cavities early and fix them.
Your dental hygienist will also clean your teeth professionally, which can help prevent cavities even more.
The Bottom Line
Cavities themselves might not spread, but the bacteria that cause them can be passed through saliva. This is especially a problem for young children. You can protect yourself and others by brushing your teeth, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings.
If you’re thinking about getting your teeth checked to make sure they’re healthy, feel free to contact the dental team at Saifee Family Dentistry of Spring by calling (281) 350-5600 or clicking here to make an appointment.