{"id":154,"date":"2024-10-04T15:36:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T15:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspenhilldds.com\/blog\/?p=154"},"modified":"2024-10-16T15:38:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T15:38:22","slug":"is-it-possible-spreading-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aspenhilldds.com\/blog\/2024\/10\/04\/is-it-possible-spreading-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Possible to Spread Gum Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s fairly common knowledge that some diseases are contagious and can be spread via bacteria. Gums disease<\/a> forms in your mouth when harmful bacteria build up near your gumline, irritating your soft oral tissue. So it makes sense to wonder whether it can spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complete answer to that might be a little more nuanced than you would think, but it\u2019s important information! Keep reading to learn more about this condition and how it can be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Possible, but Not Likely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you had to distill all the information down to one sentence, you could say that contracting gingivitis (gum disease) from someone else is possible, but not very likely. Since oral bacteria causes this condition, it can be transferred when you share utensils, drinks, toothbrushes, or when you kiss. However, if you have a healthy, hygienic oral biome, your natural defenses and daily brushing should be able to mitigate bacteria accumulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you have poor oral hygiene or health, or have a weakened immune system, you are at greater risk for developing gingivitis from someone else\u2019s bacteria. This is why infants whose parents have gingivitis are more likely to contract it (though some research suggests there\u2019s a genetic component as well).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Know if I Have Gingivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Catching gum disease in the early stages is important, as it\u2019s easier to treat and you\u2019re less likely to need a drastic extraction. Your dentist can help you monitor your oral health every six months during a checkup and cleaning<\/a>, and there are certain signs you can watch out for at home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n