Just because you pass the bacteria, does not mean you catch the disease.
There are more than 700 types of bacteria inside a human mouth – with no two mouths are alike.
Many studies have shown that cavity-causing bacteria can pass from one person to another person through the transfer of saliva, by sharing utensils, blowing on food, and even kissing.
Therefore, exchanging saliva can introduce the body to new bacteria, you may not have had prior.
Scientists have a fancy name for your mouth’s ecosystem – they call it the “human oral microbiome.” A big part of your mouth’s microbiome is bacteria.
There are certain types of bacteria that can contribute to dental decay and gum disease.
Streptococcus mutans is the bacteria identified the most with tooth decay, according to the 4th edition of Medical Microbiology. It lives in your mouth and feeds on the sugars and starches that you eat and thrives in an acidic mouth.
Limiting your intake of simple carbohydrates (foods with white flour, and sugar).
Carb-fueled bacteria multiply super-fast and cling to each other, creating a “biofilm” that’s commonly referred to as plaque. Bacterial plaque is the primary cause of 90% of all dental disease because bacteria secrete acidic waste products. This creates an acidic environment in your mouth that weakens teeth and ultimately leads to decay.
No bacteria is beyond the control of proper tooth brushing, flossing and mouth washing. Establishing a daily routine of brushing 2 minutes 2 times a day, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE®will remove most forms of bacteria. Make sure to brush your tongue, too.
The oral cavity is a major gateway to the human body. Food enters the mouth and is chewed and mixed with saliva on its way to the stomach and intestinal tract.
Bacteria in the Air passes through the nose and mouth on the way to the trachea and lungs.
Microorganisms colonizing in one area of the oral cavity have a significant probability of spreading to neighboring sites.
Microorganisms from the oral cavity have been shown to cause a number of oral infectious diseases, including caries (tooth decay), Gingivitis, periodontitis (gum disease), endodontic (root canal) infections, and tonsillitis.
Evidence also shows links between oral bacteria to a number of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, low birth weight, premature delivery, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, erectile disfunction and pneumonia.
Dry mouth also puts teeth at increased risk for erosion and tooth decay, healthy saliva flows and helps protect teeth from exposure to acid.
Drinking water with a pH of 7.0 , rinsing your mouth with a product designed for dry mouth care and/or chewing a sugarless gum with the first active ingredient Xylitol can help reduce cavities.
Rinse your mouth with water after drinking acidy liquids. Hold off on brushing for about 30 minutes to an hour after eating acidic foods, to avoid damaging enamel.
Thankfully, teeth and your entire mouth can typically be kept healthy and happy if you have a consistent oral health routine.
Sometimes you do have to work a little harder – if you wear braces, have dry mouth, are pregnant or have a medical condition like diabetes.
Even people who are super-dedicated to good oral hygiene will inevitably miss a bit of plaque here and there.
No matter how devoted you are to at home care, regular exams and professional teeth cleanings are important.
Checkups involve more than a quick peek at your teeth – your dental professional will screen you for oral cancer, tooth decay and gum disease. Caught early, these conditions are far easier to manage.
So, even though you pass the bacteria, your oral health and what you do at home, is what determines how healthy your mouth is.
Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice on managing your own personal mouth and DIY tricks you can use at home to prevent dental disease from occurring.
If you have any question you can comment below or contact me