Are Cavities Contagious?
As a parent, you know how contagious different illnesses can be. At this point, you probably have a few measures in place to reduce the spread of everything from COVID-19 to stomach bugs. Illnesses aren’t the only things that can be contagious though. Cavities can be too. Given that 9 out of 10 adults have had at least one cavity, that’s something worth paying attention to.
What Causes Cavities
You’re probably aware that sugar has a role to play in the formation of cavities. Sugar acts as a perfect food for the mouth bacteria that produce acid. If that acid is left on the surfaces of your teeth for long enough, it will eat away at the enamel. This will turn into a cavity. The severity of the cavity will depend on things like personal oral care and how long you go before you see a dentist to get it fixed.
How They Spread
So how do cavities spread? Much like many illnesses, saliva is the major culprit. If a person who has cavities shares saliva with another person, it has been found that the cavities can be transmitted. Specifically, the saliva of the person with the cavities contains harmful bacteria that can cause the second person to develop a cavity. This can happen from things like kissing, as well as sharing food or utensils. Babies and young children can be especially susceptible to cavities spread in this manner.
Preventing the Spread
No one is advocating that you stop kissing your children or significant other if you have a cavity. The responsible thing to do is to take measures to avoid spreading cavity-causing bacteria though. To that end, avoid sharing utensils and straws with others. Resist the urge to test the temperature of your children’s food with your mouth as well. In fact, it’s best to avoid sharing food altogether. Ideally, preventing the spread of cavities happens by preventing them from forming to begin with. If, however, you already have cavities, be sure to have them addressed by your dentist as soon as possible. That will help you avoid spreading them to your loved ones.
Cavities can be contagious, which can be a bit concerning to parents, especially those with younger kids. By combining good oral care with actions taken to avoid spreading cavities to your kids, you can reduce their risk of developing them. Reduce it even further by scheduling and attending regular dental visits with Dr. Maccaro.
Is your child due for an appointment? Schedule your initial pediatric dental visit with Dr. Maccaro of Maccaro Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry here.
