While it's common knowledge that eating sugary foods can increase your risk of tooth decay, did you know that cavities are actually contagious? As strange as it may sound, the bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted through saliva when people share food, drinks, and even kisses!
Our teammates at Risas Dental understand that this information can be a bit mind-blowing, but it's also pretty interesting. We've put together this informative guide that details the ins and outs of cavity transmission, along with some important preventative steps to take to boost your dental hygiene routine.
The science of cavity transmission is actually quite simple — your saliva can transmit cavity-causing bacteria to other people. People carry over 700 types of bacteria in their mouths that they can transmit to others through normal activities. Just like you can spread a cold or flu virus through saliva droplets when you cough, sneeze, or share eating utensils, you can do the same with cavities.
Believe it or not, all cavities are caused by bacteria. In fact, some dental professionals even refer to cavities as bacterial infections of the teeth. The human mouth contains many types of bacteria, but research has shown that Streptococcus mutans is the most common culprit for cavities. These bacteria live in dental plaque and can increase the risk of cavity development when it multiplies.
Consuming sugary foods can increase the risk of cavities because the bacteria in the mouth that break down sugars can create plaque acids. When the acids dissolve on the teeth, they can contribute to tooth decay. Smoking dries out the tissues in the mouth by reducing saliva production, which can put people at a higher risk for developing cavities.
The most common type of bacteria associated with cavities is Streptococcus mutans. This type of bacteria thrives when the foods you eat create a low pH balance in the saliva. It secretes acid, which sticks to the teeth and can cause mineral loss and cavities.
Bacteria are spread from person to person in several ways. If a person touches a contaminated surface and has bacteria on their hands, they can spread bacteria to others through touch. Sneezing and coughing can transmit saliva droplets to others through the air, and close contact such as kissing can transfer bacteria from one person to another.
Saliva is the single transmission mode of cavities. Kissing, sharing food and beverages, and eating from the same utensils can spread the bacteria that cause cavities. Saliva that sprays from the mouth when coughing or sneezing can also transmit cavity bacteria.
Cavities can be spread through saliva in a few ways. When a person has Streptococcus mutans bacteria in their saliva and kisses someone on the mouth, their saliva can transmit the bacteria to whomever they kiss. If someone takes a bite out of a hamburger or other hand-held food and another person takes a bite from the same food, cavity-causing bacteria can be transferred through saliva on the food. Sharing eating utensils and straws can also cause cavity bacteria in saliva to spread.
Most dental professionals warn against sharing toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools. In addition to potentially spreading the bacteria that causes cavities through saliva, these tools can also transmit blood and contagious viruses.
Parents can pass cavities to their children through activities that transmit saliva. Kissing your little one on the mouth, sharing food, and even popping their pacifier in your mouth can create a risk of transmitting cavity-causing bacteria.
The main risk factor for cavity transmission is shared saliva. Mothers can transmit cavity bacteria in their saliva to their children by pre-chewing their infant's food, using the same toothbrush, and even cooling their food by blowing on it. Adults with active cavities can transmit bacteria through close contact.
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to cavity development include poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, acidic carbohydrates, and inadequate fluoride intake. Not only can fluoride help to prevent cavities, but it can also reverse them in some cases.
A lack of fluoride in drinking water is the most common environmental factor linked to the risk of cavities. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth less prone to cavity development. Children who drink water with little to no fluoride may form weaker enamel, which can affect the teeth's natural ability to re-mineralize.
The bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted through smoking if a person with cavity-causing bacteria in their saliva shares a cigarette. The same goes for sharing food. If someone with cavity-causing bacteria in their saliva takes a bite of food and hands you their fork or spoon, you could "catch" a cavity.
Some studies have shown that areas where pollution is high have high cavity rates among children. Highly polluted areas may also increase the levels of toxic compounds in children's teeth. Scientific studies also suggest that drinking water containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) can contribute to cavity development. PFAs are chemicals that were once used to make nonstick cookware and other products.
If you think you might have a cavity or you're concerned about tooth decay in your teen or little one, our teammates at Risas Dental are happy to help. We "speak patient" to ensure clear communication and complete understanding of our dental services, and we treat adults, teens, and children. Schedule an appointment today.
Some research has shown that mothers can pass cavities onto their children through activities such as blowing on food and sharing eating utensils. This is due to the potential exchange of saliva that contains cavity-causing bacteria.
Kissing can sometimes lead to the transfer of cavity-causing bacteria. Since kissing sometimes involves an exchange of saliva, a person with cavity-causing bacteria in their saliva can unknowingly transfer bacteria to the person they kiss. Once inside the other person's mouth, the bacteria can colonize and lead to cavities.
Most dental professionals recommend against sharing toothbrushes with family members for a few reasons. Brushing your teeth can sometimes cause bleeding gums, especially in people with gum disease. Blood on the toothbrush can transfer into the next user's mouth. Also, viruses and bacteria can easily be transferred from person to person via shared toothbrushes.
In its early stages, a cavity might go unnoticed and not cause any physical symptoms. However, you may notice brown or black specks on the teeth that look like stains, and your teeth may have visible holes or "pits" in the enamel. As cavities progress, symptoms can include pain when biting down and tooth sensitivity.
If cavities go untreated, it can lead to further decay that makes its way into the tooth pulp. This can increase the risk of infection and inflammation, and the tooth may require root canal treatment.
A recent study by DentaVox showed a strong connection between your oral health and your love life. In this study, respondents with excellent oral health reported being the most pleased with their love lives. On the other hand, less than 40% of people with poor oral health reported being satisfied in their intimate relationships.
But this isn't the only study to show these results. Another study showed that 71% of women and 58% of men reported that a great smile was really important when picking a romantic partner. The bottom line? Your oral health can have a significant effect on your love life.
Knowing that a link between oral health and romantic relationships exists is one thing. But why is there a link? There are actually a few reasons that your oral health can affect your romantic relationships from bad breath to gum disease and beyond.
Having bad breath can affect your self-confidence, making it more challenging to be intimate with someone. It can also cause an intimate partner to be less attracted to you because they'll want to avoid things like kissing. Thankfully, there's an easy fix for bad breath.
Bad breath is primarily caused by the same bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath. Good oral hygiene habits are discussed more in-depth below.
Another cause of bad breath can be the foods you eat. For example, garlic is known to have a strong smell that affects your breath temporarily. If this is an issue, brush your teeth and use mouthwash to rinse away most (or all) of the strong smell.
Gum disease can be a mood killer, and not just because it can lead to bad breath. Gum disease can actually cause erectile dysfunction in men. This is because gum disease is associated with chronic inflammation, which can cause damage to certain cells in your body. These cells also happen to line the blood vessels in men's sexual organs. When these cells become damaged, it can result in impaired blood flow that affects your ability to get or maintain an erection.
Plus, did you know cavities are contagious? During kissing and other intimate activities, it's possible to spread the bacteria that cause tooth decay to your partner.
The good news is that there are ways you can improve or maintain good oral hygiene. You'll be significantly more confident and have a much happier love life as a result.
To improve or maintain good oral hygiene, you should be sure to:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 full minutes.
• Floss at least once daily.
• Use a mouthwash at least once daily.
• Get regular dental check-ups (at least once a year).
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
You may also find it helpful to look into cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. These procedures can improve your smile and make you feel more confident. For example, braces can be used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. Professional whitening treatments can brighten smiles that are stained from coffee, smoking, or wine.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral health is important for a happy love life. It prevents the spreading of bacteria to intimate partners and a great smile can make you feel more confident. If you're ready to talk to a dentist about more ways you can improve your oral health, schedule an appointment today.
Can oral health problems really affect your love life?
Yes, oral health problems can really affect your love life. For example, bad oral health can lead to erectile dysfunction, bad breath, and reduced confidence.
Is bad breath a deal-breaker in relationships?
For many people, yes. Thankfully, there are many ways you can deal with bad breath so it doesn't cause problems. To combat bad breath, keeping good daily oral hygiene practices is most important.
How can I tell if my partner has good oral hygiene?
If you've been in a relationship for a long time, you can tell your partner has good oral hygiene if they regularly brush and floss their teeth. A partner likely has good oral hygiene if their breath smells good and they have a bright white smile. Unfortunately, sometimes it's challenging to tell if your partner has good or bad oral hygiene.
What can I do if my partner has bad oral hygiene?
The best thing you can do is gently bring up the topic and educate your partner on good oral hygiene habits. Sometimes, bad oral hygiene is caused by a lack of knowledge.
Can kissing spread oral health problems?
Yes. Kissing can spread bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease.
Many people rely on coffee to wake up in the morning or enjoy it as a delicious daytime treat. However, understanding the relationship between coffee and oral health is essential. Below, we'll explore the impact of coffee on your teeth and gums and explain how to keep your mouth healthy.
Drinking coffee correctly can positively impact your teeth. Let's look at the link between coffee and oral health.
Coffee has antibacterial properties, allowing it to kill bacteria that cause tooth decay. Research shows that drinking coffee can reduce your risk of cavities.
Although coffee also has anti-inflammatory effects, the evidence about coffee and gum health is unclear. Several studies show that coffee can protect against severe gum disease, while others say it can damage gum tissue.
Drinking coffee regularly could reduce your risk of mouth and throat cancers. It's thought that the antioxidants in coffee could reduce the risk of cancerous cell changes.
While there are some positive benefits for oral health, it's important to also explore the things to look out for when drinking coffee.
Coffee is acidic, although the pH level depends on the roasting process. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), drinking acidic beverages can increase your risk of enamel erosion by damaging the enamel layer of your teeth. This can expose the dentin and cause tooth sensitivity.
Tooth discoloration and stains are some of the most common complaints about coffee and oral health. Coffee contains tannins and pigments that can cause brown stains.
You can reduce the risk of coffee-stained teeth by following our tips and tricks for maintaining oral health while drinking coffee. Or, you could consider whitening treatments if you already have stained teeth. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to ensure at-home whitening products are safe and effective. Scheduling an in-office whitening treatment with your dentist is the most effective way to treat tooth staining.
Coffee is famous for causing bad breath because of its strong odor, although a 2021 study discovered that Arabic coffee can reduce halitosis. However, the effect is only short-term — coffee appears to reduce bad breath immediately after drinking but doesn't improve halitosis long term.
Adding sugar and creamers to your coffee could increase the risk of dental problems. Consuming sugary drinks increases your chance of developing cavities because the bacteria in your mouth produce acids when they break down sugar. These acids demineralize your teeth and cause decay.
Many coffee creamers also contain sugar. You can reduce your risk of cavities by choosing sugar-free creamer brands.
You don't have to give up coffee to keep your mouth healthy. The following tips can help you enjoy coffee without damaging your oral health.
Use a Straw
Drinking coffee through a straw prevents it from coming into contact with your teeth and helps minimize staining. You can also limit contact by avoiding swishing the drink around your mouth.
Rinse With Water
Consider rinsing your mouth with water immediately after drinking coffee. Mouth rinsing can help remove tannins and pigments from the surface of your teeth.
Time Your Coffee Consumption
Wait at least 30 minutes to brush after drinking an acidic beverage to reduce the risk of enamel erosion. That's because your saliva can help repair your enamel. Therefore, it's a good idea to avoid drinking coffee just before you plan to brush your teeth.
Choose Healthy Options for Adding Flavor to Coffee
Syrups and flavorings often contain sugar. Consider switching to a sugar-free brand or adding natural flavorings such as 100% cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Choose the Right Toothpaste for Coffee Drinkers
The ADA recommends using fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities. However, coffee drinkers could also consider toothpaste with ingredients to prevent enamel erosion or whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains. Choose an ADA-accepted brand to ensure the best protection for your teeth and gums.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Visiting your dentist regularly can ensure any dental problems associated with drinking coffee are diagnosed and treated early. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can also remove coffee stains and discoloration.
There's a common myth that drinking coffee causes cavities. However, coffee could actually decrease your risk of tooth decay because it can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Consider drinking other tooth-friendly beverages alongside coffee. Water is a healthy option and unsweetened milk can also help protect against decay and reduce the effects of acidic food and drinks.
Keeping your mouth healthy doesn't have to mean giving up coffee. Risas Dental can help you maintain good oral health while enjoying coffee responsibly. Book an appointment today for affordable, expert support.
Adding milk to your coffee can reduce the risk of stains, so cream may have a similar effect. However, adding sugar may increase your risk of tooth decay.
How many cups of coffee it takes to stain or damage your teeth depends on your dental health. Your dentist can advise you on the best lifestyle choices for oral health.
Some toothbrushes and other dental hygiene products are marketed as suitable for coffee drinkers. However, you should always choose ADA-approved products to keep your mouth healthy.
Drinking coffee regularly increases your risk of discoloration but you can reduce the effects by drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth with water. Whitening treatments could be helpful if you have coffee-stained teeth.
Getting braces is a significant investment in your dental health and overall appearance. While most people focus on the visible benefits of orthodontic treatment, such as a straighter smile, there are several hidden costs that often go unnoticed.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand some common errors people make when considering braces—specifically the additional expenses not all dental offices are transparent and upfront about. By understanding and preparing for these costs in advance, you can have a smooth and financially stress-free smile transformation journey.
Before getting braces, it is crucial to review your dental insurance policy or consider dental memberships that cover orthodontic treatment if you do not have insurance. A dental membership is crucial to ensure a healthy mouth from the beginning to end of your orthodontic treatment. Cavities or tooth extractions needed will need to be taken care of before getting braces. The Friends of Risas Membership is included in all our braces payment options for up to 3 years. Be sure to ask your orthodontist if their braces pricing includes a dental membership and the duration of the coverage. Keep in mind that most patients need braces for an average of two years. Being well-informed about your insurance or membership benefits can save you from unexpected financial surprises.
When the time comes to remove your braces, an essential step called debonding is necessary. Debonding is the process when the orthodontist removes the brackets and wires, cleans off any residual adhesive, and makes final touches on your new smile. While debonding should be included in the overall treatment cost, every office prices their services differently. Be sure to ask if there will be an additional cost for debonding at your orthodontics consultation.
Many people mistakenly assume that once their braces are removed, their treatment is complete. While this is true, retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results achieved with braces. Retainers are custom-made to keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back. The average cost of retainers is $300. At Risas Dental and Braces, we include retainers within our transparent pricing but not all offices price their braces the same way. It’s important to know upfront whether or not this will be an additional cost to factor into your budget.
One of the most common ways to pay for braces is by setting up a payment plan. It’s important to be aware of the potential financing fees or interest that may be associated with certain payment plans. While many orthodontists offer flexible payment options to make braces more affordable, some financing arrangements may involve additional charges. These fees or rates can vary depending on the office and terms of the plan. Before commiting to a specific financing option, take the time to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions, including any fees or interest that may be applied. Carefully comparing different payment plans can help you choose the most cost-effective option and ensure that you are fully informed about the total financial commitment of your braces treatment.
Getting braces is an investment not only in your smile but also in your dental health. To avoid common errors and unexpected financial stress, it is crucial to consider the hidden costs associated with orthodontic treatment. Dental memberships, debonding visits, retainers, and financing fees are often overlooked aspects that can add up significantly. By discussing these potential expenses with your orthodontist, reviewing insurance or membership benefits, and planning your budget accordingly, you can ensure a smoother and more financially manageable braces journey. Being well-prepared will help you achieve the confident and beautiful smile you desire without any unwelcome surprises along the way.
Are you ready to start your smile transformation journey but worried about the cost of braces and potential hidden fees? At Risas Dental and Braces, we offer all-inclusive transparent, affordable pricing for braces. Everything you need for your journey from start to finish is included in our pricing. Additionally, we offer pay in full discounts or no interest payment plans. Say hello to affordable braces and book an appointment today.
Getting braces is an exciting adventure for anyone who wants a straighter and healthier smile. However, most people don’t realize there is a lifestyle change that happens when you first get braces. When considering the adjustment period, which usually lasts for a couple of weeks, summer is the ideal time to take the first step into your life-changing smile transformation.
Summer months typically offer more flexibility when scheduling appointments and adjusting to any initial discomfort that can be expected when first getting braces. Paired with fewer academic and extracurricular commitments, it can be easier to accommodate necessary orthodontics appointments without extra stress.
Patients getting braces for the first time are often surprised by the various changes to their routine. Some changes patients can experience are:
Soreness: It is normal to experience some soreness the first few days after first getting braces. It means your braces are working! Your body just isn’t used to having metal in your mouth, and there’s a lot of pressure on your teeth, gums, and jaw. However, this is not a reason to be afraid of or avoid getting braces, and there are many ways to relieve pain and make your smile transformation more comfortable including oral anesthetics, pain medication, ice packs…and did we mention ice cream?
Eating: While eating certain foods can be challenging due to soreness, that’s not the only challenge with eating. Learning how to eat with braces on your teeth is hard to understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself! Initially, it can be intimidating to bite down on harder foods when you are learning how strong or fragile your brackets, wires, and bands are. Eating becomes much easier once you get past the initial adjustment.
Speaking: Have you ever tried saying a sentence with something in your mouth? That’s kind of what having braces is like. It’s common for some patients to produce more saliva during their initial adjustment, as they are adapting to a new object in their mouth, but this is not permanent. Additionally, it can be difficult to enunciate some letters without some practice.
While all these factors can be intimidating, it is important to remember that they are temporary. Most patients adjust to having braces within two weeks, but some patients can take up to a month to adapt to their new lifestyle.
Ultimately, summer provides a convenient and comfortable time to get braces, making it easier to adapt to any changes and make progress towards a straighter, healthier smile.
Additionally, beginning treatment in the summer allows patients time to get used to their braces before the holiday season, allowing them to fully enjoy festivities without worrying about the initial challenges of braces. Although some discomfort is expected with adjustments, many patients find the first one to be the most challenging.
Are you ready to start your smile transformation this summer? Is your teenager ready to say hello to their dream smile? We want to make your braces transition as easy as possible! Learn more about our summer giveaway for new orthodontics patients.
Once a child has their full set of permanent teeth, it is a good time to come in for an orthodontic consultation. While it is most common for teenagers to get braces, it is normal for adults get braces as well.
That amount of time your orthodontic treatment takes can vary based on several factors such as how overcrowded your teeth are, if you have an overbite, and how well you follow your doctor’s recommended treatment and oral care instructions. Most common treatment plans take 1 – 3 years.
If you come in for a orthodontic consultation at our office, our Orthondist will first propose a treatment plan with costs. If you are a candidate for braces and agree to start, you will be scheduled to start braces at your next appointment.
