A Dentist on TikTok Claims Cavities Might Be Contagious. Here’s What You Should Know.

What!?

A Dentist on TikTok Claims Cavities Might Be Contagious. Here’s What You Should Know.

If cavities can spread, should we be concerned about sharing drinks or kisses with our kids? by Emily Carter Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

In March, Dr. Lily Reynolds, a dentist from Texas, sparked a wave of curiosity when she shared a TikTok video asserting that cavities can indeed be contagious. The video has since garnered over a million views, leaving many wondering if they should rethink swapping saliva with partners who have tooth issues and if parents need to be cautious about transmitting cavities to their children. The clip featured Dr. Reynolds reflecting on a kiss she shared with her husband, who has cavities, captioned with: “and that’s on cavities being contagious 🦠.”

Expert Insights on Cavities and Bacteria

To explore this intriguing claim, a reporter from The Guardian consulted Dr. Mark Edwards, a professor emeritus at the University of California’s School of Dentistry. He confirmed that tooth decay can be transmitted through certain bacteria that may spread via kissing. There are documented cases of individuals developing cavities after years of having none, simply because they began a relationship with someone who had a high load of cavity-causing bacteria. “Be cautious if your partner has significant decay,” Dr. Edwards cautioned. “They could transmit bacteria to you. Encourage them to visit a dentist for treatment.”

However, he emphasized that even if you acquire decay-causing bacteria, maintaining good oral hygiene—such as a nutritious diet, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups—can help you fend off cavities. “Most of us carry some decay-promoting bacteria in our mouths,” he noted. “I do, yet I haven’t had a cavity in decades.”

Cavities and Children

If adults can potentially spread decay-causing bacteria through kisses, should parents be worried about their children “catching” cavities through other means? Pediatric dentist Dr. Sarah Johnson from Sunny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Denver weighed in. “While I wouldn’t say cavities are contagious, it is possible to transfer bacteria from one mouth to another,” she explained. “Most people aren’t kissing their kids on the mouth, but it’s wise to avoid sharing utensils and cleaning pacifiers with your mouth.”

To further minimize the risk of transferring bacteria to your children, it’s crucial to maintain your dental health. “If you have treated decay, your bacterial levels will be lower, making it less likely to pass on harmful bacteria to your child,” Dr. Johnson advised. She also mentioned that children’s mouths are particularly vulnerable to bacteria when new teeth emerge, so extra care is needed during teething and when permanent teeth come in.

Ultimately, both dental professionals agreed that parents should focus more on maintaining good oral hygiene for their children rather than stressing over the possibility of contagious cavities. “It’s more important to prioritize brushing, flossing, and managing diet than to worry about bacteria from others,” Dr. Johnson emphasized. “Many individuals have these bacteria but do not experience decay.”

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To summarize, while there is some evidence suggesting that cavities can spread through bacteria, maintaining proper dental hygiene is far more crucial. Parents should not panic about the idea of “catching” cavities but should ensure their and their children’s teeth are well cared for.