Did You Know Cavities are Contagious?

Did you know that you could “catch” cavities from another person? It is true. Just not in the way you think.

The actual cavities aren’t contagious. However, the bacteria which causes tooth decay to develop and lead to cavities is contagious. Cavity-causing bacteria is extremely easy to pass from person-to-person. Anything from a handshake to sharing a soda or taking a bite of someone else’s food can result in the passing of cavity-causing bacteria from person-to-person.

How to Stop the Spread of Cavities

Just like there are things you can do to avoid the common cold, there are things you can do to avoid “catching” a cavity. Some ways to avoid the bacteria that can cause cavities include:

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day.
• Choose water as your drink of choice.
• Maintain a good diet.
• Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum increases saliva which helps wash away bacteria.
• Try to avoid sharing utensils, food, and drinks with others.
• Schedule dental cleanings every six months.
• Encourage others to practice good oral hygiene.

Sunshine Smiles, located in central Florida, wants your children to have healthy smiles. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists for a routine cleaning and examination. During your child’s exam, our pediatric dentists can provide you with tips on how to help your child avoid cavities in the future. We look forward to seeing you and your child at our office!