Valentine's day warning: Kissing spreads cavities

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There goes my love life!!!!!

Valentine's day warning: Kissing spreads cavities

By Charnicia E. Huggins

NEW YORK, Feb 13 (Reuters Health) - Star-crossed lovers may have to settle

for holding hands this year. Kissing can spread the bacteria that cause

cavities, according to a California dentist.

The bacteria, known as Streptococcus mutans, can also be spread by sharing

food, namely by swapping saliva via a spoon or fork transferred from one

mouth to another, Dr. ce R. Rifkin told Reuters Health. Rifkin is a

private practice dentist in Beverly Hills.

Streptococcus mutans is commonly found in the dental plaque of infected

individuals. A simple saliva test can be used to determine those who carry

the bacteria and are at risk of developing cavities.

Brushing, flossing, and other forms of oral hygiene are key to " reduc(ing)

the amount of bacteria stuck on the surfaces of the teeth, " Rifkin said.

In addition, individuals can be treated in dental offices with fluoride

applications that help make the tooth surface resistant to acid breakdown

and dental decay or with sealants, that use a resin to seal the grooves and

pits in the teeth, Rifkin explained.

" Be aware of the relationship between sharing food and kissing because you

may pass on bacteria that can cause decay, " Rifkin advised.

Also, because of the contagious nature of dental decay, " if one member of

the family is treated (for cavities) then all should be treated or

evaluated. "

Individuals at increased risk of cavities include those who have had two

cavities within one year, diabetics or those with high blood pressure who

have a decreased salivary flow, and those who have a compromised immune

system.