Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?
Is periodontal disease contagious?
Patients with periodontal disease often ask us if their condition is contagious. Typically, they are concerned about spreading the disease to their significant other. Untreated gum disease can lead to serious health consequences such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. So, It’s no wonder that periodontal disease patients would like to protect their partners from the risks of the condition.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of gingivitis on the teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis creates a chronic bacterial infection of the gums called periodontal disease or gum disease. Patients with periodontal disease experience several symptoms, such as inflamed gums, receding gums, deep pockets, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Ultimately, gum disease attacks the gums, connective tissue, and the underlying bone that supports the teeth. Without intervention, most or all of the patient's teeth will be lost.
Is Periodontal disease contagious?
Periodontal disease itself is not contagious - meaning that it is not possible to transfer periodontal disease from one person to another during a single interaction. However, the bacteria that accompanies periodontal disease can be spread from one person to another and increase the risk of developing periodontal disease over time.
Periodontal disease can be passed from one person to another over time through saliva. For example, bacteria can be passed from one person to another when drinking from the same cup, sharing utensils, or kissing.
How can you avoid spreading or catching periodontal disease?
If you have periodontal disease, the best course of action is to seek out treatment as soon as possible. A combination of professional periodontal disease treatment and gum disease self-care can yield impressive results and limit the chances of passing the disease to a significant other over time.
If your partner has periodontal disease and is not seeking treatment, you must brush and floss your teeth regularly. By removing the “bad” bacteria in your mouth, you will substantially lower the risk of developing gum disease yourself. While it would be ideal to avoid all contact with “bad” bacteria, the bacteria are not necessarily a threat to you if you practice excellent oral hygiene and properly clean your teeth and gums daily.
Still have questions?
Do you still have questions about periodontal disease? Please feel free to send us a message or give us a call. Our staff would be happy to answer your questions and schedule a consultation.
Sacramento Periodontics can treat your periodontal disease
If you have periodontal disease and are worried about passing it to your significant other, the best thing you can do is improve your own oral health. Our periodontists are gum experts and can help you treat your periodontal disease. With professional periodontal treatment and diligent gum disease self-care, we can improve and even reverse the damage caused by gum disease. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.