Is Tooth Decay Contagious?

Tooth decay is the single most common problem children suffer from. Once affected, the repercussions of a dental infection can be painful and humiliating at the same time. Although parents are often the first ones to be concerned about the health condition of their kids, they too could be responsible for aggravating it in many ways. Tooth decay is a contagious condition and can easily spread from the parent to the child. Parents should therefore adopt preventive measures to understand how to restrict the spread of infection. 

Preventing the Spread of Tooth Decay

 Taking note of the below mentioned facts would help in preventing the spread of  infection responsible for causing decays.

• Tooth decay can actually be passed on by pregnant women to their newborns. Research has it that cases of tooth decay which develop in babies could actually have been inherited from their mothers. Women who have not been visiting dentists on a regular basis 4 to 6 months prior to getting pregnant are more likely at risk of transmitting dental infections. If you are planning for a baby make sure you get your routine tooth-work done on time.
• Do not share toothbrushes and oral rinse cups with your kids. Unknowingly, you might be transmitting germs that would cause tooth decay.
• Don’t drink from the same cup or glass as your child. This would aid transfer of infection causing bacteria.Remember, contagious infections would spread with slightest hint of physical contact. Therefore, you need to adhere to stringent hygiene practices for staying away from them.Apart from this tooth decay can be effectively be controlled with the help of the following measures.
• Brush daily.  Ideally, you should brush every time you eat or drink something.
• Always rinse your mouth with fluoridated cleansers or mouthwashes.
• Consider using dental sealants which can plug the grooves which are more likely to develop cavities. Frequent replacements aren’t required as well.
• Avoid foods which are highly sweetened. Sweet concoctions tend to settle at the base of your tooth encouraging tooth decay causing bacteria 
• Visit to your dentist on a regular basis. 
• Most often, your teeth would require fluoridated or anti-bacterial treatments. 
• Do not ignore toothaches or other problems related to dental hygiene. Seek medical help immediately.Averting tooth decay is all about sticking to healthy practices and understanding the precautionary measures which need to be followed. However, in certain cases, chronic tooth decay could actually prove to be manifestations of other illnesses.