Is Gingivitis Contagious?
Gingivitis is a common disease that affects the gums and mouths of children and adults. It typically occurs because of poor oral hygiene and bacteria found in plaque (the clear sticky substance on teeth) that spreads to the gums.
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. It doesn’t always lead to periodontitis and is reversible. But without treatment, gingivitis can lead to tooth loss.
Sometimes there are no symptoms of gingivitis, and therefore it can be hard to tell if you have it without the warning signs. Thus, regular checkups with your dentist and preventative care are your best deterrents against gingivitis.
Almost everyone can get gingivitis at some point. Even though poor dental hygiene is the most likely cause, gingivitis is contagious. Read on to understand more about why gingivitis is said to be contagious.
How Is Gingivitis Contagious?
Gingivitis is contagious through the bacteria that causes it. The bacteria can spread through contact with saliva with or without visible symptoms of gingivitis.
Being exposed to bacteria through saliva doesn’t always guarantee that you get gingivitis. Overall dental health determines if you will; poor dental health increases your risk.
If someone has gingivitis, they can spread it to others in the following ways:
Kissing
Saliva normally protects you from harmful bacteria. But if you get exposed to bacteria that cause gingivitis through kissing, it can lead to gingivitis.
Parents can also pass on gingivitis to their babies by kissing on the lips. Babies are more at risk because of their developing immune systems.
Sharing Drinks and Utensils
The exchange of saliva can also happen by sharing drinks. Saliva can spread from the outside of a glass, straw, or utensil.
Again, even with saliva-to-saliva transmission, gingivitis typically occurs if a person has poor dental health or a low immune system. A person with gingivitis should minimize sharing drinks or utensils with others until the treatment of their condition.
Using the Same Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are exposed to oral microorganisms when placed in the mouth. Some of these bacteria, including the ones that cause gingivitis, can last for weeks on the toothbrush. For this reason, you should not share your toothbrush with anyone.
How to Prevent Gingivitis?
The plaque that causes gingivitis is not only found on the surface of teeth but also where the teeth and gums meet. If not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it hardens to become tartar.
Tatar can lead to infection where the gums attach to the teeth. Without treatment, pockets of infection form and can break down gum tissue and eventually the bone surrounding the tooth.
Proper oral hygiene is the most effective way to control gingivitis and prevent periodontitis. According to the Canadian Dental Association, there are 5 simple steps to prevent gingivitis:
- Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque between the teeth.
- Examine your gums regularly for warning signs. These can include swollen, tender, red, or bleeding gums when you brush or floss, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, receding gums, and loose teeth.
- Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing gum disease.
- Eat healthy foods, such as foods high in fibre and plenty of nutrients, and avoid high sugary drinks to keep your gums healthy and clean.
- Regular dentist visits and professional cleaning can remove tartar buildup and help with the early diagnosis of gingivitis.
If you already have gingivitis or suspect you have it, visit your dentist to confirm a diagnosis and receive in-office and at-home dental care to ensure it doesn’t worsen or spread further.
Fight Gingivitis with Good Oral Care
The bacteria that causes gingivitis is contagious through saliva-to-saliva contact. Visiting a dentist to find out the underlying cause of gingivitis and how to treat it helps prevent periodontitis and tooth loss.
Gingivitis can affect anyone but most likely people with poor oral hygiene and by kissing and sharing food, drinks, utensils, and toothbrushes. Prevention is the best cure for gingivitis.
The good news is that gingivitis is reversible if caught early. Oral health and maintenance is your first line of defence against gingivitis and South Bolton Dental Centre’s top priority, so contact us to book an appointment right away.
