Gum disease is more common than most people think, affecting more than half of U.S. adults. Yes, half. And with so many people affected at some point in their lives, you may start to wonder, is gum disease catching?

Let’s talk a little more about what gum disease is, whether it can be spread from person to person, and most importantly, how to treat and prevent it from causing long-term oral health issues.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, in short, is an infection of the gums. It’s often caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on the teeth and along the gum line. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, irritating and inflaming the gum tissue. In addition, bacteria thrive on plaque and tartar, so when these are present, infection can be a common result.

Gum disease occurs in three stages:

• Gingivitis – This is the mildest and earliest stage, marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It’s reversible with proper treatment and oral hygiene.
• Periodontitis – If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap even more bacteria.
• Advanced Periodontitis – At this stage, the supporting structures of the teeth are severely damaged. Advanced periodontitis often leads to tooth loosening or loss.

Symptoms of gum disease include swollen gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, and tooth sensitivity or movement.

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

First, the good news. Contact, whether through kissing, sharing a toothbrush, or drinking from the same glass, for example, does not directly transmit gum disease from one person to another.

However, the bacteria responsible for gum disease can transfer from person to person through saliva. So, the acts we just mentioned can potentially spread these bacteria.

This means that just because the bacteria are transmitted doesn’t mean the other person will develop gum disease automatically. However, the introduction of bacteria can increase the risk of infection. Whether this happens will often depend on factors like oral hygiene habits, overall health, and genetic predisposition.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The best approach to gum disease is prevention. Simple but consistent habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing or spreading gum disease.

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss twice a day, and be sure you clean not just your teeth but also your gumline.
• Avoid Sharing Too Much: Do not share toothbrushes, drinking glasses, or utensils. Choose a toothbrush holder that separates family members’ brushes.
• Healthy Diet and Hydration: Avoiding sugary foods and, instead, sticking to a healthy diet of whole foods and plenty of water helps your body fight bacteria and inflammation.
• Quit Smoking or Vaping: The chemicals ingested with these bad habits weaken your gums and significantly impair their ability to heal or fight off infection.
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups at least twice a year. Professional cleanings can remove tartar buildup that your regular at-home care can’t.

How to Treat Gum Disease

If you’ve already noticed symptoms of gum disease, remember that early treatment is the key to preventing progression.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Treatment begins with professional cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup on your teeth and below the gumline.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Consistent oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease from worsening. Be diligent about your oral healthcare routine and follow the prevention steps above.

Professional Treatments

Your dentist may recommend medications or special rinses to kill bacteria in your gums and slow down disease progression.

Suspect You Have Gum Disease?

Treating gum disease is important not only for your health, but to protect those around you as well.

If you’re concerned about your gum health or think you might have gum disease, call to schedule your appointment today!