Can Kissing Cause Cavities?

Before you pucker up for a goodnight smooch, you may want to check your date’s dental records. Studies show that cavities and gum disease are contagious—and can be transmitted through swapping spit, just like colds and flu. In fact, some experts estimate that up to 500 different germs can be transmitted in a single kiss.

“Saliva and the mouth are full of viruses and bacteria, including some that cause cavities,” says Fares Elias, DDS, president of the Academy of General Dentistry. “Kissing a partner who is actively infected with cavity-causing bacteria can cause a person who previously had a low concentration of these bacteria to ‘catch’ a cavity, due to the extra dose of bacteria from kissing—particularly if that person has poor oral habits that set the stage for tooth decay.”

Learn about proper oral care for a bright, healthy smile.

What causes cavities? Although sweets are usually blamed for cavities, the real culprits are bacteria, mainly three villains called streptococcus mutans, streptococcus sobrinus and lactobacilli. These bugs live in saliva and dental plaque, a clear, sticky film that forms on teeth and gums, and thrive on sugar from the foods we eat—which is why candy is bad for teeth. Typically, bacteria attack within minutes after a meal. As they feed on sugar from food debris, they produce corrosive acids. Over time, this erodes tooth enamel, leading to decay and cavities, explains Dr. Elias.

How are cavity-causing bacteria spread? Streptococcus mutans can be spread through kissing.  Dentists also report cases in which patients—often women—who previously had healthy teeth developed cavities after starting a relationship with someone who has cavities, gum disease, or hasn’t been to the dentist in years. A study found that bacteria responsible for periodontal disease could be transmitted between family members through other forms of saliva transfer, such as sharing food, beverages or eating utensils.

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Young children are at particular risk for catching cavity-causing bacteria: A 2007 study by University of Queensland in Australia found that moms frequently infect their babies with strep mutans and sobrinus, with the bugs found in the mouths of 30 percent of 3-month-old infants and more than 80 percent of 24-month-olds with primary teeth. Likely sources of mother-child transmission include tasting the child’s food, blowing on food or formula to cool it, or kissing their bundle of joy on the mouth.

What are the best ways to prevent cavities? Don’t worry—it’s not necessary to give up kissing to keep your teeth healthy. You can significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities if you take these precautions, says Dr. Elias:

• If possible, brush and floss after each meal. Cleaning your teeth shortly after eating deprives cavity-causing bacteria of the food they need to flourish. Brush for at least two minutes, taking care to be thorough. The places people don’t clean effectively are where cavities are most likely to form. It’s helpful to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and to clean the gums as well as the teeth to remove as much plaque as possible.
• Use the right flossing technique. “A lot of people just snap the floss in and out, which can leave food trapped between teeth,” cautions Dr. Elias. Instead, massage the floss around the root of each tooth for thorough cleansing. Floss also cleans the contact points where teeth touch, offering superior cavity protection to using toothpicks.
• Use anti-bacterial mouthwash once or twice a day. Not only will this freshen your breath, but you’ll wash away harmful bacteria before they can attack your teeth. Also, drink water throughout the day to rinse away bacteria and avoid sticky candies.
• Visit the dentist twice a year. Good oral health does a lot more than just prevent cavities—a number of studies suggest that a toothbrush may be a powerful weapon against heart attacks. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are almost twice as like to have coronary artery disease, clogged blood vessels that can lead to heart attacks.

Discover the link between gum health and heart attack risk.

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