Did you know kissing can give you major oral problems?

Unprotected oral or penetrative sex can lead to a range of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that may bother you for the rest of your life. But have you ever thought about getting oral diseases when kissing?

Oral problems are not as grave as STDs. However, the risk is always there when you kiss someone who does not follow proper oral hygiene. Oral diseases are contagious and one may be infected with it after coming in contact with the bacteria that causes them. Experts suggest that the exchange of saliva can transfer about 80 million bacteria and if the other person has not been to the dentist for years or does follow a good oral routine, the chances of contracting bad bacteria are higher.

What type of oral diseases you may come in contact with

There are several types of oral problems. Not all of them are contagious. The risk of getting infected with oral disease is higher when a case of disease is caused by bacteria or virus. Even if the other person’s teeth are all pearly white they may pass on the problem to you without your knowledge. Here are three common health problems that can be passed on by saliva exchange.

Cavities

Cavities are usually caused due to tooth decay, caused by a special type of bacteria called Streptococcus Mutans that goes unchecked for years. This kind of bacteria produces a special kind of acid, which slowly breaks down the enamel of the teeth leading to tooth decay. If not controlled on time it can affect more than one tooth at a time. The bacteria can be transferred from one person to the other person through saliva.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by different species of bacteria. Once infected by this bacteria the person may develop other oral problems over the year. When the bacteria come in contact with the person’s gum, it releases a toxin that irritates the delicate skin of the gum, causing inflammation. This eventually leads to bleeding when brushing and can also be the reason for mouth odour.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a condition in which pockets of pus begin to form underneath the gum line. Over time it increases the inflammation and starts affecting the bone tissue. This makes the root of the tooth loss and you eventually start losing your teeth. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. The worst part is that the condition is irreversible.