Can tooth decay be contagious?
Dec 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, "蛀牙" refers to dental caries (or cavities), which typically do not spread through contagion. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits in daily life, such as rinsing the mouth after meals, brushing teeth regularly, using the Bass brushing technique, and undergoing routine dental checkups, in order to reduce the risk of developing caries and to maintain oral health. Once dental caries are detected, it is advisable to seek treatment at a dental hospital as early as possible.
Generally speaking, "蛀牙" refers to dental caries (or cavities), which typically do not spread by contagion. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Dental caries is a chronic disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard dental tissues. The initial factor of dental caries is bacteria, which form plaque on the tooth surface and utilize food residues to produce acidic substances. These acids then erode the teeth, causing demineralization and the formation of cavities. Although caries are caused by bacteria, these bacteria mainly reside on an individual's own teeth and are generally not transmitted through person-to-person contact. Moreover, each individual's resistance to bacteria and oral hygiene habits vary, so even when exposed to the same bacteria, it does not necessarily lead to the development of dental caries.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits in daily life, such as rinsing the mouth after meals, brushing teeth regularly, using the Bass brushing technique, and undergoing periodic dental examinations, in order to reduce the risk of developing dental caries and maintain oral health.
