Posted: February 24, 2017
Dental caries (cavities) are caused by a buildup of bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, which live on your teeth and gums. These bacteria can easily transfer from one mouth to another. When you share food with your child or kiss your spouse, you could be putting yourself at risk for cavities and gum disease. If your partner doesn’t maintain good oral hygiene, your healthy mouth could be in danger.
Luckily, growing cavities, even those transmitting through saliva, can be combatted with good dental habits such as brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste as well as flossing once a day and rinsing with mouthwash for 30 seconds. These habits can help you avoid long-term damage to your oral health, which also helps your overall health.
Research has suggested cavities and severe gum disease could be a sign of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association indicates diabetes can weaken your oral health and decrease your ability to fight off germs, leaving your mouth vulnerable to tooth decay. Poor blood sugar control also contributes to the link between gum disease and diabetes, making both conditions difficult to manage. Advanced gum disease can cause harmful bacteria to seep into your bloodstream, which makes you more susceptible to heart disease as well as diabetes.
You don’t have to stop kissing or sharing food with your child and spouse. You can avoid cavities and gum disease through bi-annual dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatments and consistent oral hygiene. However, you may want to push your spouse to do the same to avoid catching more cavities.
Schedule your dental exam and cleaning with our dentist in downtown Fort Worth today at 817-870-5099. Museum Smiles provides general, cosmetic and family dentistry to clients in Fort Worth, Arlington, Keller and nearby Texas areas.
