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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

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.

Bacterial Causes of 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.

How Do Bacteria in the Mouth Contribute to Tooth Decay?

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.

Which Types of Bacteria Are Most Commonly Associated With 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.

How Do Bacteria Spread From Person to Person?

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.

Transmission Modes of Cavities

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.

Can Cavities Be Spread Through Saliva?

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.

What Are the Risks of Sharing Toothbrushes and Other Oral Hygiene Tools?

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.

How Can Parents Pass Cavities to Their Children?

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.

Risk Factors for Cavity Transmission

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 and Environmental Factors

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.

How Do Lifestyle Choices, Such As Diet and Smoking, Affect Cavity Transmission?

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.

What Environmental Factors, Such As Water Quality and Air Pollution, Impact Tooth Decay Rates?

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.

Cavity Treatments at Risas Dental

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are cavities really contagious?

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.

Can you get cavities from kissing?

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.

Is it safe to share toothbrushes with family members?

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.

How do you know if you have cavities?

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.

What happens if cavities go untreated?

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.

The Link Between Oral Health and Romantic Relationships

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.

Bad Breath and Its Impact on Relationships

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.

Oral Health and Relationships

Gum Disease and Its Effect on Intimacy

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.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene and a Happy Love Life

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.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices

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.

Cosmetic and Restorative Dental Procedures

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene During the Holidays

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.

Smart Food Choices for Healthy Teeth

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.

Balancing Treats and Oral Health

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I enjoy holiday desserts without compromising my oral health?

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.

How can I keep my breath fresh during holiday social events?

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.

Are there any natural remedies for soothing gum sensitivity caused by holiday treats?

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.

What should I do if I experience a dental emergency during the holiday season?

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.

Can I use sugar substitutes or alternative sweeteners as a healthier option?

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.

Hidden Costs You Shouldn’t Overlook

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.

Dental Memberships

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.

Debonding (Braces Removal)

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.

Retainers

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.

Financing Fees

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.

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