Is gum disease contagious?

You or your partner has gum disease. Of course, you want to give him/her a kiss, but you wonder if that gum infection is contagious. As you know, this inflammation is caused by bacteria. Bacteria can spread, but how far does it go from gum to gum?

You can transfer bacteria.

It is, in fact: bacteria can be transmitted. This is also how they get from one body to another. When you have gum disease, your mouth is full of bacteria. By kissing someone, and we're really talking about exchanging saliva, bacteria can end up with someone else.

That's how contagious gum disease is

You have seen that bacteria move easily from one mouth to another. Is gum disease contagious to others? Although bacteria spread, gingivitis is not contagious in most cases.

If the recipient of the bacteria has a good immune system, it will certainly not get gum disease. But when the immune system is poor and oral hygiene is also below par, gum disease can occur.

Stress also has an influence.

You think you have a good immune system, and yet you get gum disease from someone else. Did you know that stress has a major impact on your immune system? Your immune system will decrease if you suffer from severe or prolonged stress. You don't always notice this, but there are a number of signals.

Poor sleep, reduced concentration, often having the flu and many gum infections. All signs that your immune system is not working optimally.

Get gingivitis treated

You can treat this yourself with a starting gum infection. It is important that you especially clean the space between teeth and the gum line. Place the toothbrush at 45° on the gums so that the bristles are below the edge. Use interdental brushes or toothpicks for the space between teeth.

Gingivitis is the result of dental plaque that hardens into tartar. Once tartar is present, you cannot remove it yourself. The dentist or dental hygienist has special equipment that quickly and effectively removes tartar. Has gum disease been treated professionally?

From gingivitis to periodontitis

Another name for gum disease is gingivitis. If you do nothing about this, the inflammation will go deeper and deeper. Eventually, periodontitis develops. This is a deeper inflammation that is more difficult to treat. In addition, there is a good chance that teeth and molars will become looser. Without treatment, they can even fall out and infect adjacent teeth.

Gingivitis? Watch your partner!

You have seen that gum disease is sometimes contagious. Do you have gum disease yourself? Ask your partner if they might also be bothered by something. There is a chance that you have exchanged bacteria. When your partner's immune system works a little less, he may also have gum disease.

Make an appointment with your Virginia family dentist. Cleaning of the entire teeth ensures that you get rid of dental plaque and especially tartar. In many cases, the unpleasant odor also disappears from the mouth. Keep in mind that your gums may feel a bit sensitive for up to two days after the gum infection treatment. The necks of the teeth can also be a bit sensitive, which will eventually disappear.