Many people only consider their teeth when they think of their oral health, but your connective tissues are equally significant. After all, without them, there would be nothing to hold your pearly whites in place! Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so you must care for your gums correctly to avoid it.
But if you’re not sure how gum disease develops, you might inadvertently put yourself at risk. For example, did you know that it can sometimes be contagious? Continue reading to learn more about how to prevent spreading periodontal problems!
What Is Gingivitis?
Your mouth is full of bacteria, and some of these can be harmful if they penetrate your enamel or connective tissues. Germs, bits of food, and other residue form plaque on your teeth and gumline, causing an infection that triggers an inflammatory response in your immune system. This can cause mild swelling, tenderness, darkening, and might bleed when you floss.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and can often be halted or reversed by improving your dental hygiene routine and getting a professional cleaning. However, if it progresses, you may need more intensive therapies, like scaling and root planing, to manage it.
Is Gingivitis Contagious?
You likely already know that sharing germs when you’re sick with a cold or flu is unwise because the illness is likely to spread. Although gum disease isn’t known for traveling like airborne viruses, it can be contagious through your saliva.
For example, if you have periodontal problems and share a straw or utensil with a loved one, they could contract the disease. As a result, some studies suggest that if parents have developed gingivitis, their child is likely to also develop it because of shared household items. It can also jump from one mouth to another during kissing because of the exchange of fluids.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Thankfully, gingivitis can be avoided by taking a few precautions. You can reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease by:
- Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with non-alcoholic, anti-bacterial mouthwash twice daily.
- Reducing your consumption of overly sugary foods, which attract harmful germs.
- Quit smoking vapes, cigarettes, or using tobacco products because they contain nicotine, which suppresses your immune system and increases the likelihood of infections.
- Drink plenty of water to consistently clear unwanted microbes and debris from your teeth and gums.
Finally, visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning can help them catch gingivitis before it progresses into periodontitis!
About the Practice
At Lakewood Complete Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists eager to help families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Artino, Dr. Donaldson, and Dr. Skeeters collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet your needs under one roof, including gum disease therapies. They take the time to learn about your unique concerns and goals, then utilize advanced technology to tailor treatment plans to address them. If you are concerned about your gum health, you can request an appointment on the website or call (303) 238-2800.