Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Cavities are contagious???

Yes! It's true! A bacteria called Streptococcus Mutans causes tooth decay and it is contagious! It can be passed along from one person to another through any activity that holds the possibility of transmitting saliva; i.e., kissing, sharing of utensils, children's daycare toys (kid's put everything in their mouth!) Parents can give it to children, it can be passed between boyfriend & girlfriend, spouses, etc. This is not to diminish the damage that can be caused by sugary foods, so the best defense against the bacteria is a regular routine of brushing and rinsing. Additionally, sealants are an effective barrier against the bacteria, especially in children under the age of 15.

Ask your dentist about prevention from this type of "cavity passing"...now is the time!

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