The TikTok dentist goes viral after claiming this common condition is contagious

TikTok’s medical advice is widely shared. That can be good or bad. While the social media platform lends itself to plenty of misinformation, it’s also wide-ranging, offering advice from real doctors that manages to reach a wide audience.

A recent video of a dentist went viral, hinting at something many people were unwilling to hear. Are tooth decay really contagious?

Dr. Tasneem Mahmood uploaded clip says kissing people can cause tooth decay. “I’m thinking about the kiss I gave my husband even though he has tooth decay,” she captioned the video, which shows her shivering as she sips a glass of water. “And that’s because tooth decay is contagious.”

@tasneemmahmoodd& this is contagious to tooth decay 🦠♬ presleywalker – PresleyWalker

RELATED: Poor oral health is linked to this common and dangerous disease

The video has been viewed over a million times, with people expressing their utter disbelief and shock that something like tooth decay can be easily spread. According to a dentist who spoke to The Guardian, kissing can spread tooth decay, but other elements need to be present for tooth decay to really thrive in another person’s mouth. While the caries bacteria can spread from mouth to mouth, the individual oral situation is also of enormous importance.

“The second absolutely essential thing for tooth decay is the frequent intake of so-called fermentable carbohydrates. So sucrose, glucose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup and bread for that matter,” he said.

While kissing someone with tooth decay can increase your chances of getting tooth decay yourself, it’s still possible to protect yourself by making some healthy lifestyle choices. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and keeping track of food counts like chewy candy, cookies, crackers, pasta, and bread (all of which easily get stuck in your teeth) is a good place to start.

RELATED: TikTok explains why you shouldn’t use mouthwash afterwards

It’s always important to know who you’re kissing, but asking about their cave situation might be a step too far. Also, many diseases and bacteria are spread this way, so you’re likely to catch other things besides cavities.

In short, don’t overthink it. Stay on top of your dental hygiene routine and know that tooth decay is influenced by a variety of factors, from oral hygiene to the individual pH levels of each mouth.