While this may come as a surprise, cavities are contagious. That’s right, just like catching a cold in the wintertime, you can also catch a cavity.
Although sugar is usually to blame for cavities and tooth decay, studies have shown that cavities can be transmitted. This is because bacteria are the culprit in wearing away at enamel and causing tooth decay. Multiple studies have found that mothers can pass these cavity-causing bacteria onto their children and even their spouse.
Cavities can be transmitted from one person to another. When evaluating kissing couples, studies have found that it is possible for a partner to develop a cavity, even if they have never had one before, if their partner has poor oral hygiene. Cavities and gum disease can be passed between couples because they are exchanging bacteria from their mouths.
So next time you taste your child’s food before they pop it in their mouth, or lean over to kiss your significant other, think twice. To reduce the risk of transmission, simply remember to brush, floss, and chew sugar-free gum to help get rid of any cavity-causing bacteria.