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.
The holidays are filled with sugary treats and lots of fun. But all this excitement can lead you to forget about your oral health.
Neglecting oral hygiene during the holidays can leave you vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. Protect your smile this year by following our tips for keeping teeth healthy throughout the season.
Holiday oral hygiene starts with good brushing habits. This means brushing with the proper technique and using the right equipment.
Finding the right toothbrush is key to building a good oral care routine. Soft-bristled brushes are ideal because hard bristles may damage your gums over time. Adult toothbrushes typically have 1-inch-tall heads but you may find a smaller size is more comfortable for you. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective if used properly.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice each day — once in the morning and once in the evening. Proper brushing consists of moving the brush in short strokes over the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth.
But brushing isn't the only part of a healthy oral care routine. Flossing once daily can help you clean the spaces between your teeth that toothbrushes can't reach. Regular flossing can also help remove plaque that can build up on your teeth and may cause gum disease.
Holiday food is one of the best parts of the season. But crunchy and sugary treats can damage your teeth if you aren't careful. Limiting certain foods and choosing dental-friendly alternatives can help you enjoy the celebration without compromising oral hygiene.
Foods that are overly sticky, chewy, or crunchy are best eaten with caution. Things like toffee or candy canes can chip or crack your teeth when bitten and may send you to the dentist. Sugar-filled sweets including sugary drinks like hot chocolate and eggnog can also erode your teeth and lead to cavities.
Balancing these foods with some that can improve oral health is a good way to take care of your smile this season. Fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and celery can strengthen your teeth and gums while cheese can protect your teeth from acidic foods.
Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away bacteria. Choosing a light-colored beverage can also prevent stained teeth when you want something other than water.
Maintaining good oral health doesn't mean skipping the holiday treats altogether. Incorporating a few dental-friendly strategies can help you make the most of the season while protecting your smile.
Sticking to your routine of brushing and flossing twice daily can help you keep your oral health on track. It's tempting to brush your teeth right after eating a sweet treat but try waiting at least 60 minutes before brushing to avoid erosion. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating can also help eliminate erosion.
Taking a teeth-cleaning kit along to parties is an easy way to maintain your routine even when you're out celebrating. Scheduling a cleaning with your dentist right after the holidays can also get rid of plaque and bacteria that built up throughout the season.
Holiday treats can make it hard to keep up with oral health. But with help from Risas Dental, your smile can stay bright and healthy all season long. Our bilingual team is standing by to give you the affordable dental care you've been looking for. Book an appointment today to get started.
It's possible to enjoy all sorts of holiday food without damaging your teeth — even sugary desserts. Protect your teeth by drinking plenty of water after each treat and brushing your teeth at least twice daily.
It's important to remember holiday desserts are best eaten in moderation. This prevents your teeth from being overloaded by sugar and bacteria. Balancing desserts with healthy, teeth-friendly foods can also reduce the damage caused by sugary sweets.
Drinking water throughout the day can wash away the bacteria that leave an unpleasant odor in your mouth. It also prevents dry mouth — another cause of excess bacteria. Flossing helps eliminate food particles and bacteria between your teeth that a brush may not have access to.
Consuming sugar in moderation can minimize bad breath by reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Keeping sugar-free gum on hand is another trick that can freshen your breath in a pinch.
Too many holiday treats can leave your gums feeling sensitive. But there are a few natural remedies that can provide some quick relief.
Saltwater rinses are useful for reducing inflammation and relieving pain quickly. Green tea, turmeric, and vanilla extract are also naturally anti-inflammatory. Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that can also relieve pain when used continuously.
Dental emergencies can interrupt your holiday festivities. But serious concerns should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
You can still get the care you need during the holiday season. Find the nearest Risas Dental location near you to be seen as a walk-in for dental emergencies.
Alternative sweeteners don't affect your teeth the same way sugar does. This makes them a good alternative for sugary treats during the holiday season. But sugar substitutes can't replace good oral hygiene. Any holiday snack should be eaten in moderation and combined with a proper oral routine to keep your smile healthy all season long.
Halloween comes just once a year and there's nothing cuter than watching your children dress up and embody their favorite characters. It's a celebration filled with spooktastic fun but for many parents all that candy can be concerning. If kids consume endless amounts of sugar-filled treats, it leaves their mouths vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay. Thankfully, you don't have to deny your child all that deliciousness. When you prioritize oral health and swap out the sweet stuff for healthy Halloween treats, it's easy to create a fun and tooth-friendly celebration. Discover mouth-watering snacks your little ones will love, along with helpful tips to keep oral care a priority this spooky season.
It's no surprise that sugar-filled treats are tough on teeth, wearing them down and resulting in tooth decay over time. Soft sticky favorites such as gummy worms and Sour Patch Kids can do a number on your dental health, with residue remaining on teeth and pushing sugar directly against sensitive gum tissue and enamel long after you've finished eating. Hard candy may be even worse, as the longer it stays in your mouth, the more time it has to wreak havoc through plaque build-up, prolonged acid attacks, and potential chipping or breaking.
Overall, over consuming any sugary candy can create tooth decay, as the bacteria found within plaque — that thin sticky layer of film covering your teeth — interacts with sugar to produce acid. This acid harms teeth, slowly dissolving enamel to create visible cavities, holes, or even abscesses that require removal. Thankfully, a few easy tips can help you create a more tooth-friendly Halloween experience for the whole family.
Protect your family's teeth this spooky season by laying down the law. Limit candy consumption by separating it into piles based on type such as chocolate, chewy candy, and hard candy. Ration out treats a few times a week instead of letting little ones go at it as soon as they bring home their trick-or-treat bags. Get your kids into the habit of routinely brushing and cleaning teeth to remove all that sugar build-up and flossing to remove excess debris between teeth. When it's finally time to savor the sweetness, limit candy consumption to mealtimes. This works wonders, as the extra saliva your mouth produces during eating and drinking helps naturally remove food particles.
Believe it or not, not all Halloween candy is terrible for your oral health. There are plenty of healthy options lining store shelves and even more you can create on your own. Healthier alternatives not only lower your child's risk of tooth decay but also provide nutrients without the sugar and get kids into healthy habits from a young age.
These healthy Halloween snacks are tasty and easy to make using ingredients you already have around the house:
If your child's still craving the sweetness of sugary candy, try avoiding hard or sticky varieties that act as bacterial breeding grounds. Along with top brands such as SmartSweets or Zollipops, try swapping them out for some of these flavorful favorites:
Embrace your creative side with these fun dental-friendly treats. Let little ones get in on the action and make their own terrifying and tasty creations such as:
Halloween may be a festive time of year but it's still important to prioritize oral hygiene. Instead of emptying those filled-to-the-brim trick-or-treat bags and letting the kids go at it, encourage moderation. Set aside a few days when they can grab a handful of treats but keep healthy habits going strong. In addition to brushing and flossing twice daily, have your little ones wait 30 minutes after consuming Halloween snacks to brush thoroughly. This helps rinse away excess sugar residue, remove food particles, and reduce bacterial buildup. Likewise, chowing down on nutritious treats such as hard fruits and vegetables encourages healthy snacking habits, fills your kids with vitamins and minerals, and helps dislodge candy particles between the teeth. As long as you set the example for balanced Halloween habits, your children can have an extra-spooky and tooth-friendly October 31st.
However you spend this spooky season, keep your family's teeth strong and healthy with a checkup from Risas Dental. Our friendly bilingual teammates offer affordable dental care to keep your teeth looking their best, with affordable payment plans and no credit checks to make our services more accessible. Schedule your appointment today.
Of course they can! Not only is it easy to find healthy Halloween candy alternatives but with some creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can easily spook-ify an array of snack options at home. Add olives for eyes and almonds for teeth or draw a freaky face on your smoothie glass — there are countless ways to make the holiday fun, festive, and healthy simultaneously.
Yes! You'll find plenty of healthy options lining the shelves including sugar-free gum, which is one of the best choices because it stimulates saliva production to help prevent cavities. Likewise, chocolate contains powerful compounds that help fight bad breath and keep oral bacteria at bay. SmartSweets and Zollipops are two popular sugar-free brands with a variety of tasty treats.
Get creative by cutting and arranging vegetables into shapes such as skeletons, pumpkins, witches, and ghosts, then serve them with flavorful dip.
Yes, artificial sweeteners such as stevia, sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, and tagatose are more beneficial to oral health than traditional sugar.
Let your kids know the importance of a regular dental routine, encouraging them to rinse with water after consuming candy to wash away leftover sugar. Before bed, make brushing and flossing a priority and limit the amount of candy kids consume overall. Instead of treats high in sugar content, serve and share healthy alternatives.
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.
