Tooth decay is a very common disease today, a condition that affects both children and adults. The vast majority of people have had at least one tooth decay in their life, even a small one. We know that this disease causes the destruction of the tooth surface and, in general, does not cause pain until it affects the nerve endings. It is a disease present in the mouth and, therefore, it is bathed in saliva, within which there are bacteria that reproduce and increase when food remains are left in the mouth.
Taking into account the general knowledge about cavities, it may be possible that at some point in our lives we have asked ourselves the following question: Are cavities spread by kissing? It is because of this common question that the following FastlyHealarticle will answer it.
Table of Contents
What are cavities
Caries are those cavities or damages that occur in the tooth being produced by many causes:
- The most common is the presence of bacteria that are normally found in the mouth but produce acids when they are left for a long time, for example with food remains, especially sweet foods.
- They are formed by the combination of bacteria, food debris and saliva, thus producing a substance of sticky consistency that is bacterial plaque, being its main cause of production.
- Epidemiologically, it is more frequent in children due to poor hygiene and the continuous intake of sweets, however, in adults it can also occur.
- It is more common on posterior molars , because it is generally more difficult for the brush to reach properly.
If the bacterial plaque is not removed, in addition to cavities, it can irritate the gums causing gingivitis or periodontitis due to calculus or tartar. Normally the bacterial plaque begins to form after 20 minutes and if it is not removed properly it forms dental cavities. The acids settle on the tooth surface and begin to demineralize the first layer of the tooth, which is the enamel, later it begins the destruction of the tooth, forming a hole and it can spread and produce greater loss if it is not treated in time.
Is it true that cavities stick?
Caries is a disease that according to studies have determined to be infectious-contagious and of multifactorial origin , its main cause being bacterial, the most common being Streptococcus Mutans. Caries can be spread by transmitting bacteria present in the mouth through saliva, with children being the most susceptible. It has been seen very often that when a mother tastes a baby’s food and at the same time gives it to him, the baby is contaminated with the bacteria that cause cavities, something that happens a lot in the first 30 months of life. It can also be spread by sharing glasses, by kisses, etc.
It is a contagious disease that is transmitted from person to person through saliva and all people are at risk of suffering from it, regardless of race, sex, age or geographic location, it is simply manifested by adequate oral hygiene and the way in which what are you eating.
Are cavities spread by kissing?
The decay can spread from one person to another through kissing passionate. It is a perfect route of contagion that occurs because during the kiss there is passage of saliva between people and within this saliva are recurring bacteria in the mouth and especially in cavities. Passionate or intimate kisses increase the risk of a person suffering from cavities, which is why it is recommended, no matter how unpleasant it may be, in addition to knowing your partner well, to try to inspect or at least question about the history or presence of cavities , if you don’t want to have the same ones; in addition to following the recommendations given by the dentist.
How to prevent cavities
The dentist recommends that to avoid the appearance of dental cavities, proper oral hygiene should be carried out , which includes brushing at least three times a day, preferably after each meal, because after a few minutes bacterial plaque begins to form with the food debris. He also recommends using dental floss to remove the remains that remain in the spaces that exist inside the teeth and using mouthwashat least once or twice a day, which reduces tooth decay. Other preventive treatments can be the periodic application of fluoride which prevents the appearance of cavities and avoid eating foods that contain many sugars, all this in addition to regularly visiting the dentist will prevent the formation of bacteria in the mouth and therefore its contagion to another person.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.