“Do cavities spread from tooth to tooth?”
I have a cavity in one of my molars, and yesterday I noticed that I also have a cavity on the tooth next to that one. Do cavities spread from tooth to tooth?
11 Answers
No. Usually cavities start in between the teeth due to lack of flossing, diet, brushing habits, etc. Sometimes one tooth can be more affected than the other or the other may be slower to exhibit signs of decay.
Yes when they are located between the teeth. The place where you floss and feel the tightest fit between one tooth and another, called the contact,
is where a cavity can effect two teeth.
is where a cavity can effect two teeth.
They can. Usually, it's from not flossing very well, or at all. Diet is also key, i.e., soda consumption, high sugar/carbohydrate foods, such and candy, cookies, bread, and look at your brushing habits. Are you brushing 2x a day for 2 minutes? Good brushing habits, eating a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups are key to a healthy lifestyle and mouth.
Dr. Alan Bruce Steiner
Dentist | General Practice
No. Poor diet and poor dental hygiene will affect more than one tooth.
Cavities can spread especially if you don't floss in between your teeth and if you eat a lot of sweets and sodas, etc.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection, which can be spread to other teeth as well as anyone you kiss.
Mitchel Friedman
Mitchel Friedman
No
No. Cavities are created by bacteria metabolizing carbohydrates that you intake. The acid that is a byproduct erodes the enamel until it is into the more organic tissue below the enamel where the bacteria pick up speed. The reason cavities tend to occur in the same area is because that is the area that is most conducive for bacterial growth and least susceptible to disturbance.
Cavities do spread from tooth to tooth. Cavities are caused by bacteria. This bacteria can be transferred through contact and colonization can occur leading to a cavity on the other tooth.
In a simple answer yes. One of the ways cavities form is due to a bacterial infection just like when you get a cold or sinus infection. This bacteria isn't just on 1 isolated tooth. It's all over your mouth. So the specific bacteria that can cause cavities can spread and damage multiple teeth. It is important to get to the source of your cavities in order to heal and prevent new cavities from forming.
Cavities don't spread from tooth to tooth. However a single cause may effect more than one tooth. For example if you have food or candy getting caught between 2 teeth, the tooth in front of and behind the area may each develop a cavity on the side of the tooth facing the food trap.
