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Can Kissing Cause Cavities? Really?

By June 22, 2022 No Comments

Our mouths are home to many microscopic organisms. Most of them are harmless, and some are even beneficial, but some cause tooth decay and gum disease. The worst are streptococcus mutans and porphyromonas gingivalis.

Kissing comes with risks. You might fall in love, catch a cold, or be grossed out by bad breath. But did you know that kissing someone with poor oral hygiene could increase your risk for cavities?

On average, an individual will have between 34 and 72 different types of oral bacteria. Once we get a strain of bacteria in our mouths, it probably isn’t going away. The trouble is that each person has different bacteria, so kissing or even sharing drinks with someone could introduce new strains of bacteria to our mouths.

Young children don’t have as many types of oral bacteria as adults yet, and their immune systems aren’t used to dealing with them. Too many kisses from Mom and Dad can leave them more vulnerable to developing cavities.

The best way to avoid sharing your oral bacteria with your child is to keep those kisses to the cheek, don’t share your spoon or fork with them, and make sure they always have their own drink instead of giving them sips from yours.

Lower Your Risk of Infecting Someone Else

While you can’t necessarily control your partner’s oral health, you can definitely control your own.

  • Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day
  • Floss at least once every single day
  • Don’t use tobacco
  • Scrub your tongue

Dr. Rob Andrew says “That is why it is important that moms and dads of new babies have their teeth cleaned before baby is born because the baby will get the strains of bacteria that the parents have”.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to please your partner not only because your kisses will be fresh, but also because you’re not infecting them with cavity-causing bacteria. Now that’s love!

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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