Is Tooth Decay Contagious?

tooth decay prevention Lone Tree

This post from Almeida & Bell Dental Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry in Lone Tree CO is about dental health and tooth decay.

Your mouth has a thriving community of bacteria. There are from 200-300 types, but most don’t cause tooth decay.

Bacteria that cause tooth decay are in the mutans streptococcus family. The bacteria mix with sugar to create a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel.

When the bacteria remains on teeth, it produces a yellowish substance called plaque. Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel and causing cavities. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize.

The tooth decay bacteria can spread through saliva. People in close contact with one another are at risk. Sharing spoons or kissing are two avenues. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can actually give the bacteria to babies. Young children whose teeth are forming are at a heightened risk of decay. Daily oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and fluoride can protect young teeth.

At Almeida & Bell Dental Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry in Lone Tree CO we want all our patients to have healthy teeth and gums. People throughout Highlands Ranch, Denver, and Littleton come to us for comprehensive general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Almeida & Bell Cosmetic, Implant, and Sedation Dentistry:

303-858-9000

Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Almeida & Bell Dental – Lone Tree
8683 E Lincoln Ave Ste 200
Lone Tree, Colorado
80124

Almeida & Bell Dental – Denver
9126 57th Ave.
Denver, Colorado
80238

ArticleID 8113