Cavities are probably the least of people’s concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are preoccupied with keeping their families safe from infections, so things like dental health fall to the wayside. This should not happen, though—cavities can spread from one person to another as quickly as the common cold. Here are things you should know about cavities and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from them.

What Is a Tooth Cavity?

A cavity is an opening or hole in a tooth resulting from decay. Sugar and acid buildup cause bacteria to form on the teeth, and these disease-causing bacteria break down the enamel of the tooth, which causes these holes to appear. After the acid gets through the enamel, it might reach the dentin, the area where you can find blood vessels.

Left unchecked, tooth cavities can cause severe problems like brain or heart infections, nerve paralysis, and blood clots, among others. Your orthodontist or dentist can provide more information on how this happens and how to avoid it.

How Cavities Spread

Cavities can spread from one tooth to another, and one of the most significant contributors to this is saliva. Cavity-causing bacteria can transfer from one person to another when there is an exchange of saliva, which happens in the situations below.

Sharing or Storing Together of Toothbrushes

The bacteria in plaque and blood accumulates on toothbrushes without the owner noticing it. When you use another person’s toothbrush, you introduce a different set of disease-causing microorganisms into your mouth, which could go down your body through your throat. Even if you wash your toothbrushes, they can still hold bacteria. Also, holding brushes close to each other, or storing them in the same container, enables the bacteria to transfer from one brush to another.

Most dentists would advise you to store toothbrushes apart, in an upright position, and without a cover. Doing this enables them to air dry. Also, they recommend quarterly toothbrush replacements, so you can get rid of the bacteria that has accumulated on the bristles.

Kissing

Kissing involves a direct exchange of saliva, enabling bacteria to migrate freely from one participant to another. If one of the partners has poor oral hygiene or has tooth decay, it puts the other partner at risk for having cavities. Babies are the highest-risk group for bacterial exchange through saliva. They have underdeveloped immune systems, so mothers with dental cavities could spread harmful bacteria to their children.

Sharing Table Implements

Sharing tableware like plates, spoons and forks, glasses, and bowls can also spread cavity-causing bacteria. Saliva on utensils become the way for bacteria to transfer between people. Utensil-sharing, like kisses, also put infants and young kids at risk.

How to Keep Yourself Cavity-Free

Maintain good oral hygiene and boost your oral health by having good dental habits. Brushing and flossing, yearly dental exams, and regular cleanings with your dentist should all be the standard practice for you. Once in a while, chewing sugar-free gum will help; it flushes away bacteria. Don’t take this as a substitute for brushing your teeth, though!

Conclusion

Tooth cavities are a nuisance at best and life-threatening at worst. Sharing utensils, kissing, and sharing or storing toothbrushes together can pass disease-causing bacteria from one person to another. Fortunately, having a dental care routine will help you prevent tooth decay and cavities.

Have more reasons to flash your pearly whites when you visit Edmonton Smiles. Besides teeth cleaning services, we provide a range of dental hygiene solutions, including crowns, dental veneers, root canal therapy, and much more. Book an appointment today!

Posted in Dental News & Advice