Texans Have High Cavity Rates and Cavities Are Contagious

I would say in Texas, we have pretty good dental health, at least that is what I thought. There's a saying that goes "I was today years old..." Today was the day that I found out a scary fact about cavities.

Did You Know Cavities Are Contagious?

Who knew, and eww! Most of us go through life thinking that we get cavities from eating too many sweets and not brushing enough. That's just one way to get a cavity. If you swap spit with someone, and that includes kissing and drinking after someone, they can spread their cavity-causing bacteria to your mouth.

That will make you think twice about kissing or drinking after anyone ever again.

According to Rivas Dental, cavities can be transmitted through your saliva.

How Can You Transmit Cavities?

Kissing - the exchange of saliva can transfer cavity-causing bacteria
Sharing Food and Drinks- as with kissing, by sharing utensils, straws, and glasses, you can transfer cavity-causing bacteria
Toothbrush - cavity-causing bacteria can be spread by sharing a toothbrush (if you are doing this, eww, stop, get your own toothbrush)
Parent to Child transfer - this can be done by cleaning pacifiers with their mouth, pre-chewing food, or sharing utensils and cups.

Now that you know, you can transmit cavities to another person, I'm guessing you're going to be very self-aware of who you kiss and eat or drink after.

Where Does Texas Rank When it Comes to Cavities?

The average person in Texas has 5 cavities. According to the Texas Oral Health Commission (TxOHC), 53% of kindergarten-aged kids have had a cavity. In 2024, Texas earned a C on the Texas Oral Health Report Card. While the state received A’s on a few of the 17 key oral health indicators, many others were graded as failing.

Why Oral Health in Texas Is Everyone’s Responsibility

The key takeaway is that Texans need to take their oral health more seriously, especially when it comes to children. Plus, if you want to prevent cavities, it will take more than just brushing your teeth; you also have to consider who and what your mouth comes into contact with.