Dentist Says Cavities Can Be Contagious Through Kissing And People Are Mindblown

A dentist from Houston recently shared a TikTok video about kissing her husband while he has cavities, pointing out that they can be contagious. Dr. Tasneem Mahmood's clip has since gone viral and has over a million views. The text on the screen read: Thinking about the kiss that I gave my husband even though he has cavities.

The medical fact seemed to shock many people on the internet. "WHY do I have t learn this stuff on TikTok," wrote one shocked viewer. Another added, "Really!! Now I have this to worry about too." "Excuse me? I'm never kissing anyone again," said a third. Dr. Mahmood replied, saying she did not want to discourage anyone from kissing, and added, "I'm not trying to get in the way of your smooches! Just make sure you floss, brush, and rinse [with] mouthwash after."

The dentist also clarified to Insider, "Do I think that one should not kiss someone who has a cavity? No, not at all. Having cavities is not a moral failing or should it be used to judge how good a person or partner is." "Plus, let's not forget that cavities are often the result of not brushing and flossing daily, though research suggests some people may be genetically predisposed to getting them, regardless of immaculate dental hygiene. The takeaway message from all of this is: practice good oral hygiene, and you'll have great control and be on the safe track," said Dr. Mahmood, who works at Progressive Dental. "If you're already brushing and flossing regularly, you're doing a great job fighting those cavities."

According to The Daily Mail, there are several studies that back up the claim including a 1993 study involving married couples. Cavities are caused by bacteria that produce acid which in turn causes damaged areas in teeth that develop into tiny holes. Good oral hygiene is the best way to fight off cavities by killing the bacteria. It is indeed possible for bacteria to spread from mouth to mouth. "The simple act of kissing can transfer up to 80 million bacteria between partners," Nehi Ogbevoen, D.D.S., a board-certified orthodontist based in Orange County, California, told Shape in 2021. "Kissing someone with poor dental hygiene and more 'bad' bacteria can put their partners at more risk for gum disease and cavities, especially if the partner also has poor dental hygiene. Biologically, you know bad-smelling breath is associated with the replication of 'bad' bacteria that could harm your oral health." So the best thing you can do for yourself and your partner is to take care of your oral health and visit your dentist as and when needed!