Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem that affects millions of people around the world. It usually starts with a bacterial infection that develops when plaque builds up on your teeth, leading to sore, red, and inflamed gums. In some cases, the gums may even bleed.
The bacteria responsible for gum disease can spread through saliva, which raises the question: Is gum disease contagious? A CDC survey found that nearly half of American adults, around 64.7 million people, have some form of gum disease, with the condition becoming more common as people age. In this blog post, we’ll look at the early signs of gum disease, how it spreads, and when it’s important to seek treatment.
Can You Catch Gum Disease from Someone Else?
Yes, gum disease can spread from one person to another. The main cause of gum disease is bacteria that build up in the mouth. These bacteria can transfer through saliva, making activities like kissing, sharing utensils, or even drinking from the same glass a possible way to pass bacteria. However, just because you come in contact with these bacteria doesn’t mean you will automatically develop gum disease.
Your immune system and oral hygiene play a big role. If you brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly, then your body fights off the bacteria. But when you have bad oral hygiene or a weak immune system, there are other risks so that gum disease may happen.
What Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease?
Several causes can make an individual predisposed to suffering from gum disease. Knowing the risks increases one’s ability to take better care of their gums, preventing and eventually curing serious issues.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
The risk of plaque, which harbors bacteria, collects on your gums and teeth; it can swell, become inflamed, or even bleed eventually. The bacterium attacks your gums, leading to an increase in susceptibility to infection. Practicing good oral hygiene and proper dental check-ups prevent gum diseases.
2. Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smokers have weakened their immune systems to fight off any infections that their bodies are under, such as gum disease. Smokers accumulate more plaque and poor circulation to the gums, slowing the healing process, which may eventually make a mild gum infection severe. Quitting smoking improves one’s gum health significantly.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or even puberty may make gums more susceptible to bleeding and inflammation. Many pregnant women develop swollen or bleeding gums due to hormonal changes that lead to alterations in the blood flow of the gums. Oral care and visitation to a dentist can help prevent gum disease when it develops.
4. Diabetes
People with diabetes tend to develop gum disease because it weakens the body’s response to infection through high blood sugar levels. Furthermore, poorly controlled diabetes slows the healing process, making it more difficult for gums to recover after damage. If blood sugar is controlled well and oral hygiene is practiced correctly, the risks may be reduced.
5. Certain Medications
Some medications, such as those that decrease saliva flow, cause dry mouth. Saliva washes away bacteria and aids in sound gums’ health. Reduced flow of saliva can promote bacterial overgrowth to increase risks of gum infection. You can use more water and mouth moisturizer if you take medicines that cause dry mouth
6. Genetic Factors
Some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. If your family members are closely related and have gum disease, you could be predisposed as well. However, genetics play no direct role in the health of your gums. Healthy oral hygiene, a well-balanced diet, and regular check-ups at the dentist can prevent you from having gum disease.
Signs of Gum Disease You Must Not Ignore
If you identify any of the symptoms listed below, you need to visit a dentist for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Catching gum disease early can help prevent serious dental problems.
- If your gums are receding, then your teeth will appear to be longer than before. It means that the gum is losing strength and, thus, needs immediate attention.
- You may have bad breath that has not gone away even after brushing, but it could be due to buildup from gum disease bacteria. A bad taste in your mouth is another warning sign.
- As periodontal disease progresses, the tissues that hold your teeth in place can be weakened. You will feel your teeth wobble and may even see that they have shifted slightly.
- If your teeth do not fit together as they used to when you bite, it could be a sign that gum disease is affecting your gums and bone structure.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Although gum disease can spread to a certain extent, it is still better to be in control by trying to treat the causes of gum disease. Proper oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk and make the gums healthy and strong.
1. Follow an oral hygiene routine regularly
Brushing your teeth at least two times a day is essential in controlling plaque and bacteria. Apply fluoride toothpaste to help keep your enamel strong and prevent decay. Use floss at least once to remove food pieces and plaque trapped in places inaccessible to your brush. When it is not possible to brush or floss, mouthwash helps maintain a fresh and bacteria-free mouth.
2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Routine dental check-ups help prevent gum disease. A person should go for at least two professional cleanings in a year. They help clean up the plaque, which brushing can’t do. Professional cleanings help determine the early symptoms of gum disease so it is easy to treat the condition before it worsens.
3. Take Care of Your Overall Health
Good oral health begins with good general health. There is a very strong association between a healthy body and a healthy mouth. Steer clear of bad habits such as smoking, as tobacco causes your immunity to weaken and makes gums even less able to combat infections.
4. Eat a Gum-Friendly Diet
Foods that are high in fibre, such as fruits and vegetables, will clean your gums naturally while you chew. Dairy products and sugarless gum encourage saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and minimize plaque buildup. A balanced diet supports your oral health and overall health.
Why Choose Tampa Dental Wellness for Your Gum Diseases?
At Tampa Dental Wellness in Westchase and Carrollwood, FL, we focus on more than just your smile. We care about our patients’ overall health. Our dedicated and skilled dentists help achieve healthy and strong gums. We use advanced dental technology, such as intraoral cameras, 3D cone-beam scanners, digital X-rays, soft tissue lasers, and the latest iTero® scanner. So we must say that you’re not choosing Tampa Dental Wellness; you’re choosing cutting-edge technology and a team that truly cares about your oral health
