By Stephanie Myers, R.D.H.
Did you know that cavities are contagious? It’s true! Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that live and thrive on what you eat and drink. This is especially true with foods and drinks containing lots of sugar, such as sticky, chewy sweets, and many juices and sodas. These bacteria can be passed not only from one tooth to another but also from person to person. This can happen by sharing eating utensils or straws, drinking after one another, sharing toothbrushes, even kissing on the mouth. This is just one of many great reasons to keep your mouth healthy and cavity- free. Bacteria from an unhealthy mouth may be unintentionally passed to a family member. You can minimize this germ-sharing by avoiding sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, and toothbrushes. Fluoride is nature’s most effective cavity-fighter. Fluoride may also minimize the germs that cause cavities. To keep your mouth healthy and cavity free you should:
• Visit the dentist for a cleaning and check-up twice a year.
• Have cavities and gum problems treated immediately.
• Be aware of sharing anything that has been in someone else’s mouth.
• Drink plenty of fluoridated water.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and floss once a day.
• Limit sweets to mealtimes, and choose healthy snacks, such as fruits.
• Limit sodas and other sweetened drinks.
Remember that cavities are preventable if you can follow these simple rules. For more information on oral health for children, go to the Mississippi State Department of Health website, www.HealthyMS.com.
STEPHANIE MYERS is a Registered Dental Hygienist employed with the MS State Dept of Health and the mother of two girls aged 9 and 11.
