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IOL News
5 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Cavities can spread: why kissing and sharing utensils is riskier than you think
But did you know that tooth decay can actually be contagious? Image: Instagram When we think about cavities, most of us imagine sugary drinks, skipped brushing sessions, or that stubborn sweet tooth. But did you know that tooth decay can actually be contagious? Yes, the bacteria behind cavities can spread between people even through something as ordinary (and affectionate) as a kiss. It sounds surprising, even a little unsettling, but experts say it's a real and common health issue. Let's unpack what this means for everyday life, why it happens, and what you can do to protect your smile and your loved ones' smiles, too. Tooth decay: it all starts with bacteria Cavities, also called dental caries, happen when certain bacteria in our mouths break down sugars and produce acid. Over time, this acid eats away at tooth enamel, creating holes. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria are the main culprits responsible for tooth decay. These bacteria live in dental plaque, thrive in sugary environments, and are the leading culprits in tooth decay. How do cavities become 'contagious'? While you can't catch a literal cavity from someone, you can catch the bacteria that cause it. The "Journal of Dental Research" explains: 'Tooth decay is an infectious disease, and the bacteria can spread through saliva.' That means everyday actions, such as kissing, sharing a fork or spoon, tasting each other's drinks, or even blowing on your baby's food, can all pass these bacteria from one mouth to another. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste Image: Pixabay This bacterial transfer is most common in families. Research from the Journal of Dental Research shows parents (especially mothers) often pass these cavity-causing bacteria to their children during infancy and toddler years, a process known as 'vertical transmission.' Will you get sick if you 'catch' these bacteria? Not necessarily, and this is where it gets interesting. Even if someone transfers Streptococcus mutans to you, whether you get cavities depends on other factors: Your oral hygiene habits (do you brush and floss regularly?) Your diet (do you snack on sweets and acidic drinks often ?) Genetics (some people naturally have softer enamel) Saliva flow (dry mouth makes cavities more likely) In other words, bacteria start the process, but lifestyle, diet, and daily habits decide the outcome. Why poor hygiene makes things worse If you don't brush twice a day and floss, plaque builds up on your teeth. This sticky film is the perfect home for bacteria to multiply. Once there's a higher concentration of bacteria in your mouth, you're not only at greater risk of tooth decay yourself, but also more likely to pass those bacteria on to others, your partner, kids, or even friends when sharing food. That's why dentists and health experts stress the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to protect not just yourself, but the people around you. Every day, moments can unknowingly spread cavity-causing bacteria. What are the signs you might have cavities? At first, cavities might not hurt or show obvious signs. But early clues can include: Brown or black spots on teeth Small visible holes or 'pits' Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods Pain when biting down Dentists recommend regular check-ups so cavities can be caught before they get painful. Why it matters: Cavities are more than cosmetic Untreated cavities don't just mean fillings or cosmetic concerns. They can lead to serious infections if decay reaches the tooth pulp, sometimes requiring root canals or even tooth removal. According to the World Health Organisation, the bacteria can also enter the bloodstream, which is a bigger health concern, especially for people with compromised immune systems. How to protect yourself and others Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss every day. Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Avoid sharing utensils or cleaning a baby's dummy with your mouth. Stay hydrated, saliva helps wash away acids. Visit your dentist regularly.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Arkansas one of several states weighing fluoride ban
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont this week signed legislation requiring the state to keep fluoride at existing levels. But Florida and Utah have banned adding fluoride to drinking water, and other states may follow, as the decades-old practice of adding it to public drinking is facing renewed attacks, including from the federal government. Arkansas state Sen. Bryan King, a cattle and poultry farmer in Fayetteville, told CBS News he has "concerns" about adding fluoride to water. Since 2011, when the state mandated most public drinking water to include fluoride, King has thrown his anti-fluoride voice behind a handful of bills seeking to repeal that mandate. Fluoride is a natural mineral. It strengthens teeth and fights dental decay. It's been added to the U.S.'s public drinking supply since the 1940s. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rated fluoride as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century. And according to the American Dental Association, "70 years of research, thousands of studies and the experience of more than 210 million Americans tell us that water fluoridation is effective in preventing cavities and is safe for children and adults." "If that's the case, they need to individually go out to each water district and sell it to the people there, and let them make their own water decisions," King said. At least 19 states have considered legislation to remove, ban or make fluoride optional in public drinking water this year. One of fluoride's most prominent critics is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In the latest skirmish over science, fluoride opponents argue that at high levels, it can lead to kidney and liver damage and lower IQs in children. The National Institutes of Health's toxicology program in 2024 determined "with moderate confidence" that there is a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQs in children. That conclusion was based on studies involving fluoride levels of about twice the recommended limit for drinking water. The American Academy of Pediatrics has questioned the validity of the NIH's report, noting it had "important limitations," including the high fluoride levels, and that other reviews have come to different conclusions about fluoride's risks and benefits. The EPA in 2011 lowered the recommended limit for fluoride in water to cut down on fluorosis — when spots appear on kids' teeth — and in the wake of a 2006 report from the National Academy of Sciences that found a lifetime of overconsumption of fluoride can lead to weakened, brittle bones and teeth. At Arkansas' Fort Smith water system, Lance McAvoy, who oversees the system, told CBS News it's monitored 24/7. "We actually take samples every 15 minutes to verify the online equipment," McAvoy said, adding there had never been an instance of significantly higher fluoride levels to date. Dentists such as Kenton Ross, who also serves as president of Arkansas' dental association, say the science supporting fluoride is indisputable. "You're gonna see a 25% reduction in tooth decay," Ross said of adding fluoride to drinking water. "We have over 75 years of research over community fluoridation." For dentists, losing fluoride could mean losing the battle against tooth decay. "It's gonna affect the children the worst because if they don't get it, we can't put it in later in life," Ross said. Trump pushes senators to make $9.4 trillion in spending cuts Child rescued after getting stuck in claw machine Fight over fluoride in water continues, despite warnings from dentists
CBS News
16-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Arkansas one of several states weighing fluoride ban
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont this week signed legislation requiring the state to keep fluoride at existing levels. But Florida and Utah have banned adding fluoride to drinking water, and other states may follow, as the decades-old practice of adding it to public drinking is facing renewed attacks, including from the federal government. Arkansas state Sen. Bryan King, a cattle and poultry farmer in Fayetteville, told CBS News he has "concerns" about adding fluoride to water. Since 2011, when the state mandated most public drinking water to include fluoride, King has thrown his anti-fluoride voice behind a handful of bills seeking to repeal that mandate. Fluoride is a natural mineral. It strengthens teeth and fights dental decay. It's been added to the U.S.'s public drinking supply since the 1940s. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rated fluoride as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century. And according to the American Dental Association, "70 years of research, thousands of studies and the experience of more than 210 million Americans tell us that water fluoridation is effective in preventing cavities and is safe for children and adults." "If that's the case, they need to individually go out to each water district and sell it to the people there, and let them make their own water decisions," King said. At least 19 states have considered legislation to remove, ban or make fluoride optional in public drinking water this year. One of fluoride's most prominent critics is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In the latest skirmish over science, fluoride opponents argue that at high levels, it can lead to kidney and liver damage and lower IQs in children. The National Institutes of Health's toxicology program in 2024 determined "with moderate confidence" that there is a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQs in children. That conclusion was based on studies involving fluoride levels of about twice the recommended limit for drinking water. The American Academy of Pediatrics has questioned the validity of the NIH's report, noting it had "important limitations," including the high fluoride levels, and that other reviews have come to different conclusions about fluoride's risks and benefits. The EPA in 2011 lowered the recommended limit for fluoride in water to cut down on fluorosis — when spots appear on kids' teeth — and in the wake of a 2006 report from the National Academy of Sciences that found a lifetime of overconsumption of fluoride can lead to weakened, brittle bones and teeth. At Arkansas' Fort Smith water system, Lance McAvoy, who oversees the system, told CBS News it's monitored 24/7. "We actually take samples every 15 minutes to verify the online equipment," McAvoy said, adding there had never been an instance of significantly higher fluoride levels to date. Dentists such as Kenton Ross, who also serves as president of Arkansas' dental association, say the science supporting fluoride is indisputable. "You're gonna see a 25% reduction in tooth decay," Ross said of adding fluoride to drinking water. "We have over 75 years of research over community fluoridation." For dentists, losing fluoride could mean losing the battle against tooth decay. "It's gonna affect the children the worst because if they don't get it, we can't put it in later in life," Ross Tin and Sara Moniuszko contributed to this report.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 11 best electric toothbrushes for 2025, tested and reviewed
Brushing your teeth is probably one of the most important things you do every day, yet it's usually done on autopilot. Most of us just reach for the same manual toothbrush we've been using for months and get it over with. But if you're after a truly thorough clean, it might be time to rethink your routine. If you're looking for more cleaning power — or you simply value a mouthful of healthy choppers for decades to come — it's time to think about investing in an electric or sonic toothbrush. Not only are these high-tech scrubbers clinically proven to be especially effective at removing plaque, many of them come with features that improve your brushing technique. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. So we turned to the experts — dentists — to learn how to shop for the best electric toothbrush for your needs. Then we put 21 electric toothbrushes to the test to find the ones that truly brushed up. The best electric toothbrushes for 2025 Other top electric toothbrushes we recommend for 2025 Factors to consider when choosing an electric toothbrush Other electric toothbrushes we've tested Electric toothbrush FAQs Meet our experts Updated July 7, 2025: We updated prices and checked stock for all products. Our best overall pick is more than 20 percent off for Amazon Prime Day right now. (back to top) (back to top) Electric toothbrushes tend to vary based on their brush head size and bristle type. Many have additional key features that can help to improve oral health and your overall brushing experience. Brush head size: Bigger isn't always better when it comes to toothbrush heads. Sheila Samaddar, DDS, a dentist practicing in Washington, D.C. says that smaller brush heads are often more effective, especially for reaching difficult areas. A compact brush head can maneuver around tight spaces in your mouth with greater precision, ensuring a thorough clean. Look for one that puts maneuverability over size. Bristle type: The type of bristles on your electric toothbrush aren't simply a matter of preference. And while you might think that firmer bristles provide a deeper clean, Joseph Goodman a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, Calif., recommends opting for soft bristles endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA). Hard bristles can potentially harm enamel and root surfaces, leading to long-term damage. Soft bristles offer gentle yet effective cleaning without causing undue harm to your teeth and gums. Key features: If you struggle with brushing long enough, you can look for a toothbrush with built-in timers or reminders. These features can alert you every 30 seconds, prompting you to switch to a different quadrant of your mouth for a comprehensive clean. Additionally, if you share your toothbrush base with family members, consider a model that allows for easy head swapping. Ergonomic design and multiple setting options are also crucial factors to consider. A toothbrush with an easy-to-grip handle and adjustable settings is ideal. Cu recommends starting with a "sensitive" setting. (back to top) We've actually put hundreds of oral healthcare products to the test, including a range of manual and electric toothbrushes, water flossers, whitening toothpastes and dental hygiene tools like floss and tongue scrapers. In addition to the products listed above, we've also tried (and liked) the following: Burst Curve Sonic Toothbrush: Our tester really liked the convenience of the subscription and how pretty the toothbrush looked in her bathroom, but she felt it didn't clean her teeth as well as she had hoped, so she wouldn't plan on giving it another go unless the brush was redesigned and optimized for a deeper clean. Aquasonic Vibe Series Ultra-Whitening Toothbrush: This is very similar to our top overall pick — the AquaSonic Black Series — and has the same four cleaning modes, as well as the 40,000-vibrations-per-minute technology. It also comes with eight brush heads and a travel case. This one easily could have taken the top spot, but our tester (who also tested the Black Series) noted that the Black Series looks a little bit sleeker, which upped its rating. That said, this one ranked highest in our testing of 20 manual and electric toothbrushes, so it's clearly a solid all-around choice. Oral-B Genius 8000 Electric Toothbrush: Our tester was initially drawn to this toothbrush for its app-connected tracking capabilities. While she enjoyed that it showed her 'how well I brushed and where I needed to brush more as well as the pressure with which I brushed,' she added that sometimes 'you just want to brush your teeth without bringing your phone into the bathroom and risking it falling into the sink or ... toilet!' Maybe there was something to her concerns because this toothbrush is no longer available at major retailers or on the Oral-B website. Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige Electric Power Toothbrush: In testing 20 different manual and electric brushes, this model from Philips actually came out on top. However, it's an expensive option at $329. SpinBrush Pro+: If you're looking for a budget pick that does the trick, this low-cost SpinBrush+ comes in handy. It's battery-powered, so there are no charging ports or wires to contend with. It makes a great pick if you're a frequent traveler — just toss it in your Dopp kit to have ready wherever you go. Suri Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush may be a good pick if you're conscientious about the environment as it's made from plant-based materials. The company also offers a mail-in recylcing program for your used brush heads. That said, it didn't leave our tester with quite the teeth cleaning she was hoping for, although she did like the brush's "polishing" mode. Willo AutoFlo+: Granted, this kids' toothbrush is spendy, but in terms of automating the teeth-brushing experience for kids 8-11, our tester loved this pick. She says her son was a fan and she was confident he was getting an especially clean mouth with each brush. Unfortunately, it's not yet ADA approved, so it loses points on that front. Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush: While this is a no-fuss, reasonably priced electric toothbrush, we found that it was prone to shedding bristles during our testing period. Quip Ultra Next Generation Smart Sonic Toothbrush: While we found this to be a quality electric toothbrush, and our tester liked the pressure sensor and the ability to customize the brush intensity, she didn't like it as much as other electric brushes she tested. And, she noted that it's more affordable than many similar brushes. Supermouth Ultim8 Smart-Brush System: Our tester noted that after trying many electric toothbrushes, this one deserves an honorable mention. The full system costs about $200, but she noted that it left her mouth feeling "ultra clean." She also liked that this is a waterproof toothbrush which makes it a good option for anyone who likes to brush their teeth in the shower. (back to top) According to cosmetic and reconstructive dentist Lior Tamir, 'The purpose of a toothbrush is to physically remove plaque from the teeth. Plaque is the decomposed food and bacteria that cause cavities. Electric toothbrushes have been clinically shown to be significantly more effective at removing plaque from the teeth.' Besides giving you that fresh-from-the-dentist feeling, using an electric toothbrush can also help improve your brushing habits. Cu tells Yahoo Life, 'One of the biggest benefits to using an electric toothbrush is consistency — we have our great days and our lazy ones, but our electric toothbrush will brush our teeth the same way every time.' Hence, that's the reason why most options feature a two-minute timer that lets you know exactly when you've hit your goal. While sonic toothbrushes are in the electric toothbrush family, there are a few differences. 'Regular electric toothbrushes have rotating heads that can spin several thousand times per minute, but sonic toothbrushes spin tens of thousands of times per minute, which can give you a cleaner smile in a shorter period of time,' says Goodman. The short answer is yes. While it's still recommended to brush for two minutes whether you use electric or manual, electric toothbrushes make it so you do less of the work. According to Dr. Jeffrey Rappaport chief dental adviser at Quip, an oral care company, 'For a sonic/electric brush, the vibrations and/or brush movements do a lot of the brushing work for you; therefore, you should be gentler when maneuvering the brush around your mouth. Be sure to move the brush slowly around each tooth to ensure the vibrations and/or brush movements have enough time to clean effectively.' No matter what you're using, Rappaport said, 'Remember to be gentle with your teeth and gums, as brushing too hard can hurt your teeth and gums and cause them to recede.' Think you might be ready to take the plunge and go electric? Good, because we've tested out nearly 20 options to see which worked the best. Keep reading to see all 11 of the best electric toothbrushes. (back to top) Dr. Joseph Goodman, cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, Calif. Dr. Jeffrey Rappaport, chief dental adviser at Quip in N.Y. Dr. Chrystle Cu, DDS and cofounder of Cocofloss in San Mateo, Calif. Dr. Lior Tamir, cosmetic and reconstructive dentist in San Mateo, Calif. Dr. Sheila Samaddar, dentist practicing in Washington, D.C. (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
"How Does This Make Us Healthy Again?": People's Jaws Are On The Floor After RFK Jr. Admitted One Of His Health Initiatives Could Be Harmful
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has touted his plan to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), which includes stances backed by questionable scientific evidence. He has spoken out against vaccines, called on states to ban fluoride, and made ableist comments about autism. Just last week, he actually let it slip that he's well aware that at least one of those initiatives could have some terrible consequences. Related: On Fox's The Faulkner Focus, news anchor Harris Faulkner asked RFK, Jr. about his stance on removing fluoride from drinking water. In particular, she questioned him about dentists' concerns that children from low-income families may not be able to get the preventative care that they'd need to protect them from tooth decay. Kennedy replied, "You know, it is an issue. It's a balance. You're gonna see probably slightly more cavities." The secretary went on to say, "Although in Europe, where they banned fluoride, they did not see an uptick in cavities. The issue is, parents need to decide because the science is very clear on fluoride. The National Toxicity Program issued a said there's a direct inverse correlation between the amount of fluoride in your water and loss of IQ." The American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement in April 2025, saying that the ADA "believes that good oral health depends on proper diet, nutrition, oral hygiene, and optimally fluoridated water. Eighty years of community water fluoridation at optimal levels has proven to be safe and effective at reducing tooth decay to improve oral health." And not all European countries have banned fluoride in their drinking water. In May 2025, the BBC reported that some areas have naturally occurring fluoride in their water, while others choose to fluoridate their milk, salt, or bottled water. In addition, the National Toxicology Program's study that the secretary cited specifically says that "lower IQ in children" can occur with the consumption of water containing "more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter," which is twice the CDC-recommended saturation of 0.7 milligrams per liter. They added directly, "It is important to note that there were insufficient data to determine if the low fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L currently recommended for U.S. community water supplies has a negative effect on children's IQ." Related: Historically, there are cities in the US and internationally that have removed fluoride from their water supply and seen increased cavities as a result. The New York Times reported that Calgary, in Alberta, Canada, is reintroducing fluoride into its water supply after 10 years, starting just this week. They noted that "The Alberta Children's Hospital saw a stark increase in the number of children from Calgary who needed antibiotics to treat dental infections after fluoride was removed from the drinking water." Unsurprisingly, people on Reddit had some thoughts on the secretary's comments. "Could we, instead, maybe focus on banning lead in our drinking water? We'll tell him it's to reduce obesity." —Stank_Dukem "So, honestly asking says it's a balance…so what are we gaining for the increase in dental costs to the tune of $300/year average for all Americans?" —pixiegod Related: "I used to be a dental hygienist. All this will do is cause people who have no money to now have to spend it on dental, but they can't. They won't because they can't. Increasing poverty. I hate this MF." —Apprehensive_Cheek77 "For the kids and adults who don't have access to dental care for whatever reason, this is going to be devastating. It hurts nothing and helps those who need it most." —brookmachine "How does having more cavities in children's mouths make us great and healthy again?" —Impressive_Car_4222 Related: The conversation continued over on Twitter (X), with one user saying, "More cavities for kids in families who can't afford dental care." "Gonna see slightly more cavities, but luckily in exchange for that we're going to get absolutely no benefits whatsoever so I guess it's a fair tradeoff," said another. And finally, "This isn't public health. It's policy by privilege." If you'd like to watch the full clip, you can do so below. And I'd love to know: Are you concerned about the levels of fluoride in Americans' drinking water, or do you think it should be left as-is? Let us know in the comments. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
