Are Cavities Contagious?
Bothered because your social life is affected by the unpleasant odor coming out of your mouth? Experienced for many times persistent pain affecting your appetite, studies, work, sleep, or even general health? Ever had any inflammation or formation of abscess in the pulp or your periodontal tissues? Dreading teeth extractions? These are just the common problems one may experience because of tooth decay or worse, cavity.
Moreover, these causes of excruciating pain – tooth decay and tooth cavities are results of consistent disregard of dental health. Cavities are formed because of a simple tooth decay that could have been reversed. Thus, tooth decay and cavities are not the same. Tooth decay is also known as dental caries originating from plaque -- the sticky, bacteria-laden film that collects on your teeth between brushings. These dental carries cause by millions of bacteria are housed and protected from threatening things by filmy substances that act like protective foam bubble such have collectively made. Furthermore, if the teeth-destroying bacteria are kept protected from destruction, the bacteria in plaque produce acid that gradually destroys the surface of the teeth which creates a hole in the enamel — the hard outside layer of your tooth — your tooth decay has just turned into a cavity.
Eventually, cavity formation will happen if there is enough build-up of cavity-causing bacteria accumulated on the teeth. Subsequently, these bacteria produce acid that dissolves the enamel surface of the teeth. The good thing is that enamel can be replenished but the problem will arise if the cavity causing bacteria are faster (in dissolving the teeth’s enamel) than the body’s ability to replenish and restore the teeth. Therefore, if left unchecked, the acid eventually penetrates the enamel and a cavity forms.
The question is: are cavities contagious? Should we avoid people with cavities? What if you’d be told that cavities are contagious? Yes, you read it correctly, cavities are contagious – it can be passed from one person to another. People tend to share a lot of things believing that such is a kind act but bear in mind that it is not always good to share. Also, sugary candies are usually blamed for rotten teeth, but the real culprits are bacteria. They subsist on food particles left in your mouth, and the acid they produce eats away teeth and the surprising fact is that these bugs travel easily from person to person. Just as you can catch a cold from kissing a contagious person, you can also catch a cavity. Good examples are when parents taste their child’s food to see if it is hot before spooning it into their mouths, or partners can pass it to each other by kissing, a number of studies have found. But, be eased that adults are less susceptible to bacteria spread than children because they haven’t built up immunity yet.
Furthermore, how do you get cavities from another person? Below are the things that should be avoided to not get contained with cavities.
Not seeing a dentist
A lot of people skipped dentist appointments. Keeping from meeting your dentist is already a warning that you are at risk of acquiring cavities from another person. A professional can help check your dental health. Especially if you need the work of a Cosmetic Dentist.
Not using mouth rinse once in a while
Refraining from using mouth rinse with chlorhexidine, a powerful antiseptic that fights off bacteria may hasten the decay to turn into cavities.
Chewing sugary gums between meals
Chewing sweet gums, especially in between meals and not taking time to brush teeth will more likely lead to the build-up of acid that will eventually destroy the enamel of the teeth.
Over-sharing of personal things
Utensils, and toothbrush are personal things you may opt not to share with the others, especially the tooth brush; think of it as your password – nobody can use it.
Not a good dental patient
Yes, you might be full of pride because you meet your dentist at least once a year if not regularly but doing so doesn’t mean you are a good dental patient. Being one includes religious application of the the dentist’s advices, etc.
Drinking bottled water
You may also want to consider switching your family from bottled water to tap. Most tap water contains fluoride, which helps teeth build up resistance to plaque.
Thus, there are ways that acquiring cavities from another person can be avoided. All that has to be done is to be careful and bear in mind to do the simple advices listed above.
