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Cavities may come not only from what you eat, but what bacteria you come in contact with.
According to new studies, the bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted from one person to another.
There are cases of children developing cavities from their mothers. If a mother tastes some food and then feeds her child, the child is at increased risk for getting a cavity.
When couples kiss, the cavity-causing bacteria can be spread from person to the other. Even if a person has a completely healthy mouth, he or she is not immune to cavities if his or her partner has the bacteria in their mouth.
According to a study at the School of Dentistry at the University of Queensland in Australia, the bacteria—known as streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus—may appear in 30 percent of 3-month-old babies and about 80 percent of 2-year-olds who have their primary teeth.
The best way to curb the spread of this cavity-causing bacteria is to brush thoroughly twice per day. All other basic dental care precautions should be taken, as well as chewing gum with xylitol. Xylitol is a carbohydrate often seen in fruits and vegetables and it has been known to fight against bacteria and tooth decay.
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