The Bad Breath Blog

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through various (if not dramatic) changes: back aches, swelling of the feet and ankles, random food cravings, and more.

With all that is going on with your body and all of the planning required to welcome this new little one into the world, I bet that your teeth and gums are probably the last thing on your mind.

However, did you know that the hormonal changes your body is experiencing during pregnancy can lead to “Pregnancy Gingivitis”?

If you already have gingivitis going into pregnancy, this condition is likely to get worse without proper gum care. Pregnant women that have gum disease are also six times more likely to have a baby that is premature or has a low-birth weight. (more…)

Is Gingivitis Contagious?

Gum disease / periodontal disease is a bacteria infection in the gums and bone area around your teeth.  Researchers have employed DNA techniques to track the path of infection between people.  How contagious it is depends on how susceptible a person is to getting the disease. 

Saliva contact is possible in settings like kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing food (a cup, glass, etc.).

Studies by Canadian scientists showed that gingivitis is contagious with a transmission rate of between 30-70%.  It is believed that the periodontal bacteria can be transferred between partners during a kiss.  However, just because the bacteria is transmitted, does not mean that gum disease will occur, based on each individual’s immune systems.   It also depends on how often the person is exposed to infected saliva. 

Periodontal infections can be a serious problem because they are responsible for 75% of all adult tooth loss.  Unfortunately, peridontal disease also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteroporosis, respiratory diseases, and pre-term low birth weight infants.

How do you avoid catching or spreading gingivitis?

1. Complete recommended periodontal treatments.  This destroys or reduces the bacteria causing the disease.
2. Frequent periodontal cleaning dental visits.  This reduces the risk of being re-infected.
3. Have everyone in your family screened if there is a genetic predisposition to getting the disease.