There are millions of bacteria in our mouth, including those related to periodontitis, a common oral health issue. These bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease. A natural balance exists between good and bad bacteria in the mouth. However, an excessive buildup of bad bacteria, particularly under the gums, can lead to inflammation and gingivitis. It is essential to maintain good dental health by visiting a periodontist regularly.
An increase in the level of bad bacteria in your mouth can lead to periodontal disease. A kiss can exchange millions of bacteria, including those that cause gum disease. It may sound funny, but it’s true: if someone with periodontitis kisses you, they can introduce harmful bacteria to your mouth. If your oral health is not strong enough, you may develop dental problems.
There has been a great dispute among health professionals about whether gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is contagious. This question brought lots of mixed reactions, with some doctors believing that gum disease is contagious, while others disagreed. Although a person with gum disease experiences rapid multiplication of the bacteria responsible for gum disease in their saliva, the real question is whether it can be contracted through kissing. I will answer this question gradually as I explain more about this oral problem and the importance of dental care and dental hygiene.
Is gingivitis contagious?
Unlike cancer sores or the flu, gum disease doesn’t occur in the same way as it’s not only contracted through the transmission of bad bacteria. It’s much more than that – how you take care of your teeth and oral health can result in gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene, lack of dental flossing, smoking, certain medications, and consuming lots of sugary foods can all cause gingivitis. Visiting a dentist regularly can help prevent infection and maintain healthy teeth.
However, so many studies have been carried out on gingivitis. It is believed that gingivitis can be transferred from parents to children and also between individuals that share the same stuffs like utensils and drinking cups. A recent study on gingivitis published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, concluded that gingivitis is contagious. Although, some other studies claimed that the report from the gingivitis study published on the American Dental Association is false.
They stated that the occurrence of gingivitis largely depends on a person’s body defence mechanism and their oral hygiene. They also claimed that you can only get gingivitis depending on how exposed you are to gum disease-causing bacteria. After some personal study that I carried out on some of these research reports, here is what I have to say about this situation and its impact on oral health.
Gingivitis is caused by an increase in bad bacteria levels, which can lead to cavities and tooth health issues. Poor oral hygiene habits contribute to the spread of these harmful bacteria. Additionally, kissing someone with gum disease can transfer these bacteria to your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis is contagious.
When an infected person shares oral fluids, such as saliva, through activities like drinking from the same glass, using the same utensils, kissing, coughing, or sneezing, there is a risk of spreading gum disease or periodontal disease to a healthy person. The bacteria responsible for these diseases can easily be transferred from the infected person to the healthy person.
Can you get gingivitis through kissing?
I have already answered this question but I want to explain more on gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Normally our body defense mechanism, the immune system, gets rid of bad bacteria that causes gum disease. Low body defense mechanism, poor oral hygiene, and frequent exposure to infected saliva can lead to gum disease.
Gum disease can be easily passed from parents to their children and between romantic partners. A quick sip from a drink or an intimate kiss from an infected person, can transmit the bacteria that cause gum disease. Children can easily contract gingivitis from their parents or an infected person, because of their still developing immune system.
This is why you should not allow your children to share their personal utensils, drinking glasses, or saliva in any way with other adults. As an adult or parent, you should not kiss or use your child’s personal drinking glass or utensils if you have gum disease. Just as I have explained earlier, their immune systems are still developing, introducing gingivitis-causing bacteria into your child’s mouth can make them susceptible to oral health issues such as cavities and dental hygiene problems.
However, maintaining good oral health, including regular dental check-ups and cleanings, is essential for preventing the occurrence of cavities and gum disease. A strong immune system also plays a role in maintaining overall oral health.
How to know if you have gingivitis?
You might start to notice signs of gingivitis a week or two after the incubation period. Although, the symptoms can vary among different individuals. Inflammation and red coloration of the gums instead of its normal pink color is among the early signs of gingivitis. Your gums may also start to bleed easily when you brush your teeth. Bad breath, swollen gums and receding gums are also signs of gingivitis.
Bottom line
The bacteria that causes gingivitis are contagious and can be prevented through proper gum hygiene. Your body’s defence mechanism, along with good oral hygiene practices, plays a significant role in fighting off these bacteria. People with weak immune systems, such as children, pregnant women, and smokers, are more susceptible to contracting or developing gingivitis.
When gingivitis is untreated, it progresses leading to the death of the gum issues and bones surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis is contagious, but it doesn’t mean that you will contract it immediately if you kissed an infected person. It all depends on your health condition at that particular point in time, poor immunity can make you susceptible to infections.
If you notice that the person you have been kissing or sharing food with has gum disease, proper hygiene and cleaning of your mouth after kissing or sharing food can reduce your chances of being infected with periodontal disease.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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