You Can Catch This From Kissing

A cold or the flu are common things we try to avoid catching, but did you know that cavities are contagious, too? Research has proven that not only is this very much a possibility, it’s common!

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We all like to make candy and sugar the culprit for unhealthy teeth, but the reality is cavities are caused by bacteria – like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus – that cling to the teeth. This bacteria creates an acid by-product that ultimately destroys your tooth enamel.

The gross thing about it all is just like a cold or the flu can be shared from one person to the next, so can this cavity-creating bacteria. Sharing food, drinking off of someone and kissing are the most common ways to swap this bacteria.

According Dr. Mitchell, a cosmetic dentist, “In one instance, a patient in her 40s who had never had a cavity suddenly developed two cavities and was starting to get some gum disease.” Dr. Mitchell learned the woman was dating a man who hadn’t seen a dentist in 18 years and he had gum disease.

In order to help prevent bacteria build up and sharing it with others, make sure you are flossing and brushing your teeth regularly. And the next time you create your list of must haves for your potential future love interest, make sure you add good dental hygiene to the list!

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Dental Health center for more articles.