Everyone’s mouth contains some bacteria, and this isn’t usually a problem for healthy people with great oral hygiene routines.
It can become a worry for people entering into a new sexual relationship as both partners need to be sure they do not have any lesions or cuts in their mouth and that they are free from transmittable infections and dental problems. This may be a tricky subject to broach, but someone who doesn’t take good care of their teeth may be more likely to neglect general health as well.
Luckily some problems such as bad breath are relatively easy to solve.
Most people want to have an alluring smile, and it’s essential to have fresh breath if you want to be kissed. It’s not unusual to have a touch of halitosis now and then and one of the best ways to eliminate bad breath is to brush and floss regularly to get rid of all food particles. You can also gently brush your tongue to clean it. If you have a great oral hygiene routine and schedule regular checkups and professional cleaning, your mouth should be in great shape to get intimate with someone else. If you have persistent bad breath it may be an indication that something is seriously wrong. Unfortunately a large proportion of the population is unaware that they have some degree of gum disease.
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is characterized by gums that bleed when brushed, and which may look red and feel tender, and if left untreated will develop into periodontitis causing gums to begin pulling away from the teeth, creating openings for bacteria. Periodontitis is extremely serious as clinical research has shown links between periodontitis and heart disease, diabetes and strokes. Anyone suffering from periodontitis will have a larger than normal amount of bacteria in their mouth which can quite easily be passed on to sexual partners, not only increasing their risk of gum disease, but also the risk of developing other serious diseases.
Open sores, infected gums or wounds in the mouth are the perfect point of entry for bacteria to get into the body, and having sex with an infected partner is potentially more hazardous as bacteria will find these small lesions or cuts, and will take it as an invitation to come on in and make themselves at home. Conversely, having sex can increase the risk of bleeding in the mouth, and blood is an excellent way for an infected partner to pass on disease. There is a belief that you can’t catch anything from oral sex which is completely wrong. Just about every sexually transmitted disease can be caught through in this way. The list includes HIV, Herpes, HPV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis. This is because these diseases are caused by viruses or bacteria that thrive in warm, moist places, and direct contact through bodily fluids or skin lesions is a great way to transmit them.
To sum up, don’t risk starting a sexual relationship with someone whose history you are unsure about, and who may have dental problems, and ask yourself if you really want to get up close and personal with someone who can’t be bothered to take care of their teeth? For your part, ensuring you have great dental health lessens your chance of catching or passing on disease. The best advice? If in doubt don’t do it.