Is Gingivitis Contagious?

Gingivitis affects an alarming 80% of the United States population, so there’s a good chance you might know at least one person with it. Perhaps you have it or suspect that you might. You may have a few questions about it, and it’s important to know the facts and how it can be treated. Keep reading to learn more.

Can Gingivitis Be Spread from One Person to Another?

One of the most common questions people have when they find out they have gingivitis is, “is it contagious?” It’s only natural to want to make sure you’re not affecting others when you find out you have a specific condition. Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding, “yes” in this case. Gingivitis is definitely contagious, so if you or someone you know is struggling with it, it’s important to know as much as you can about it.

How is Gingivitis Contracted from Someone?

Gingivitis can be spread from an affected person to another in a multitude of different ways:

• Sharing Beverages or Utensils: when you drink out of a cup or through a straw, you leave traces of saliva on the object. Gingivitis can cause an excess of bacteria to be present in the mouth, and that bacteria is spread through saliva. If your gums are infected and someone drinks after you, the bacteria can enter their mouth and spread to their gums.
• Kissing: This one might seem obvious, but swapping spit through kissing is a surefire way to spread gingivitis. It’s also important to note that babies and small children tend to have compromised immune systems, so if you suspect you may have gingivitis, you will want to avoid kissing babies on the mouth or near their lips.
• Using Someone Else’s Toothbrush: Again, it’s probably not a surprise to you that this can spread gum disease. You’re probably thinking, “why on earth would someone use someone else’s toothbrush?” They probably wouldn’t do it on purpose, but you would be surprised by how many people store their toothbrushes next to someone else’s in their family in a cup on the bathroom counter. Not only can this lead to accidentally grabbing the wrong one, but if the toothbrush bristles end up touching one another, bacteria can spread from one brush to the other.

Gingivitis Treatment

If your gums are red, swollen, or excessively bleeding, it’s time to pay a visit to your dentist. Here are some of the options they may use to treat Gingivitis:

• Professional Cleaning: Like they would at a routine checkup, your dentist will deep clean your teeth and gums to remove any existing bacteria.
• Dental Restoration: If you have bridges, crowns, or any other type of dental restorations, they can sometimes cause irritation to the gums and make it more challenging to clean them properly. Your dentist may recommend that you have them replaced, or they may suggest other options.
• Ongoing Maintenance: The most important part about keeping your gums and teeth healthy is ongoing preventive care and seeing your dentist regularly. Brush and floss daily, and if you have gingivitis, there is a good chance your dentist might ask you to come in more often than every six months until the infection is under control.

If you suspect you may be suffering from Gingivitis, don’t wait to see your dentist. The sooner they are able to help you treat it, the less oral damage you will undergo, and the more affordable the treatment will be.

About the Practice

If you are suffering from Gingivitis, you need compassionate and effective treatment, which is just what you’ll get from the team of experts at Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. They make it their priority to ensure that they are providing the highest quality of care for each of their patients and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to keep their smiles healthy. They have years of training, education, and experience under their belts. Do you think you may have gingivitis? You can schedule an appointment online or call (308) 382-4440.