Gum disease is a serious and insidious threat to your oral health. These infections start out small as gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums that may be slightly uncomfortable and can usually be resolved with improved oral hygiene. However, it will progress to the stage of periodontitis if left untreated, and the patient will have to keep up with regular periodontal therapy sessions with their dentist to manage the damage this condition causes. Here’s a brief guide to how gum disease can be contagious and how to protect your oral health.
Swapping Spit
The bacteria that cause gum disease will be present in the patient’s saliva, so kissing or sharing food with someone with gingivitis or periodontitis can transmit these germs from one person to another. While this can spread gum disease in some cases, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about as long as you practice excellent oral hygiene every day by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. Since good oral care also freshens your breath, this can significantly improve the kissing experience for both parties.
Pregnancy
Expectant mothers hear a lot about how health conditions and the substances they consume can be passed to their unborn children, but you may not be aware of how gum disease can be spread from mother to child in this way. Pregnancy causes hormonal shifts that may make gum disease more likely, and mothers with oral infections can pass this problem to their children. To prevent this, dentists recommend that pregnant women practice excellent oral hygiene and receive additional exams and cleanings.
How Can the Plague of Gum Disease Be Contained?
While gum disease can be treated at your dentist’s office with periodontal therapy, it is far easier to prevent the problem in the first place. To keep your gums happy, healthy, and pale pink, stick to the following habits:
- Brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
- See your dentist regularly for routine exams and cleanings
- Limit your consumption of sweet and acidic foods
- Don’t use sharp objects like toothpicks and tweezers to remove debris from between your teeth
Gum disease is a sinister threat, but it is easy to avoid if you maintain the right habits. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to protect your oral health.
About the Practice
Indy Dental Group delivers excellent oral health services to the communities of Fortville, Westfield, Carmel, and Indianapolis. Led by an experienced team of eleven dentists, the staff treats each patient with exemplary courtesy and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry as well as periodontal therapy. To learn more about protecting your family from gum disease, contact the office online.