Like most, you probably know that many diseases are contagious. These kinds – from the flu and the common cold to others – can be spread from person to person. However, maybe you aren’t sure whether gum disease is such a spread-type condition. It’d be easy enough to find yourself wondering, “Is gingivitis contagious?” Your Sparta dentist is here to address that question, so please keep reading to ensure your gum disease doesn’t spread.
Remind Me: What’s Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is simply gum disease’s first stage. In other words, it’s an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and bacteria buildup in a patient’s mouth.
When it first develops, gingivitis doesn’t tend to have notable symptoms. (It’s thus nicknamed a “silent” disease.) Still, the condition does show visible signs as time passes. Examples of these symptoms include tender gums, gum swelling, and bleeding gum tissue.
Gingivitis can easily turn into periodontitis – advanced gum disease – if it’s left untreated. By that point, it’ll actively attack and erode your gum and jaw tissues. This process can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and worse.
Is Gingivitis Really Contagious?
While you may find it surprising, the truth is that gingivitis is contagious. It can spread from one person to another in many circumstances.
Don’t forget that gingivitis’ leading cause is harmful bacteria. You could quickly spread those microbes to nearby people through saliva – by kissing, sharing utensils, etc. From there, it wouldn’t take much for these other folks to develop gums as inflamed as your own.
Of course, exposure to its bacteria doesn’t guarantee someone will get gingivitis. People are much more likely to develop it if they have poor oral hygiene.
Stopping the Spread of Gingivitis
While gingivitis is contagious, that doesn’t mean you can’t stop it from spreading. Taking the right steps will ensure the disease doesn’t spread to friends, family, or other peers.
The best way to avoid spreading gingivitis is to prevent saliva-to-saliva contact. In particular, you shouldn’t share kisses, drinks, or anything else mouth-related with others. It’ll only be safe to do so when the disease has been successfully dealt with.
Another idea is to treat your gingivitis before it can spread. For example, you could visit your dental practice for scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and so on. Such procedures would clean up your gums and reverse your gingivitis, making your mouth healthy again.
Gingivitis is a contagious disease, so remember to take it seriously. Keep the condition from spreading by seeing your dental provider soon!
About the Practice
Gentle Dentistry Sparta is based near the heart of Sparta, NJ. Led by Drs. Cannon and Shahinian, our practice has a strong emphasis on patient satisfaction. We truly aim to make our dental care a spa-like experience for everyone who visits! Combining effective treatment with relaxing amenities, our team will make your smile better than ever. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (973)-729-9044.