Dr. Emily Johnson, a dentist from Houston, sparked quite a conversation with her TikTok video claiming that cavities could be contagious. After the video went viral, generating over a million views, many started to wonder if they should be cautious about kissing their partners who have dental issues or if they might inadvertently pass cavities to their children.
In her video, Dr. Johnson humorously remarked, “Thinking about the kiss I gave my husband even though he has cavities,” adding in the caption, “and that’s on cavities being contagious 🦠.” To clarify this alarming assertion, The Daily News reached out to Dr. Mark Thompson, a professor emeritus at the University of California’s School of Dentistry. He confirmed that yes, tooth decay can indeed be transmissible. Certain bacteria known for causing decay can be shared through kissing, and there are documented instances of individuals developing cavities after partnering with someone who has a high presence of these bacteria.
“Be cautious if your partner has significant decay,” Dr. Thompson advised. “They can transmit these bacteria to you. If your partner has a lot of active decay, encourage them to see a dentist for treatment.” However, he emphasized that even if you do acquire these decay-causing bacteria, good dental hygiene habits—like maintaining a healthy diet, brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups—can help you fend off cavities. “Most of us carry decay-causing bacteria in our mouths,” he explained. “I do, yet I haven’t had cavities for decades.”
Cavities and Children
If adults can transmit decay-causing bacteria through kissing, should parents be concerned about passing cavities to their kids in other ways? Dr. Lisa Martinez, a pediatric dentist based in Seattle, offered her insights. “I wouldn’t say cavities are contagious, but it is certainly possible to transfer bacteria from one mouth to another,” she stated. “Most parents don’t kiss their kids on the mouth, but it’s wise to use separate utensils when feeding them. Avoid using your mouth to clean their pacifier.”
To prevent bacteria from flourishing in your child’s mouth, Dr. Martinez recommended that parents maintain their own dental health. “If you have decay that has been treated, your bacterial levels will be lower, reducing the chance of passing it on to your child,” she noted. She also pointed out that children’s mouths are particularly vulnerable to bacteria and decay during teething and when permanent teeth come in.
Despite the concerns, Dr. Martinez reassured parents not to overly fret about contagious cavities or specific decay-causing bacteria. “I wouldn’t be too worried about transmitting cavities,” she said. “Many kids will end up with this bacteria, regardless of how they acquire it.” Echoing Dr. Thompson, she encouraged parents to prioritize proper dental care over anxiety about bacteria from others. “Focus on brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet for your children,” she advised. “These factors are far more crucial than worrying about bacteria transfer.”
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Summary:
A TikTok video by Dr. Emily Johnson claims cavities may be contagious, prompting discussions about the transmission of decay-causing bacteria through kissing and other interactions. Experts agree that while bacteria can be shared, maintaining good dental hygiene and regular check-ups can help prevent cavities, especially in children. Parents should focus on dental care rather than worrying excessively about bacteria transfer.