my partner's dentist has just treated my partner for periodontal disease. he has now suggested that I go in to see him for a check-up, even though he is not my dentist. is he right to be concerned, or is he just trying to make money out of me?!
2006-07-21 03:35:41 · 8 answers · asked by Jules 1 in Health ➔ Dental
My people who speak without knowledge, listen to me. Periodontal disease is of bacterial origin and it IS catching. If you ever kiss, that is. Or share a toothbrush.
As a dentist for 30 years, I have seen this many, many times. I have known couples before, during and after a marriage. One comes to mind. The girl had horrible periodontal disease and just didn't take care of her teeth. My dad had sent her ot the periodontist before I was even in practice. She was diagnosed as having "refractory periodontal disease," which, in those days, probably meant that she was infected with some of the anaerobic bacteria that are very hard to kill. She met and married a young man whom I had known as a patient for a few years. He used to have wonderful teeth. Within a short time after they got married, he started to have trouble with his gums and ended up losing 5 or 6 teeth! She finally gave up and got full dentures. Guess what? His periodontal problems ended almost as soon as his wife didn't have any more teeth! I know that this is anecdotal, but it is a scenario that I have seen played in one version or another probably 20-30 times in my career.
Periodontal disease IS contagious if you share saliva in any manner.
2006-07-21 05:41:09 · answer #1 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Periodontal disease is caused by not brushing & flossing daily. Tartar builds up below the gum line, which inflames the gum tissue & leaves it open to bacterial infection. If you're sharing a tooth brush, or kissing you could get the bacteria in your mouth, however if you're taking care of your teeth, you're not going to get periodontal disease. However, you should be getting regular cleanings & check-ups twice a year, so my guess is if you're not doing that, that's why the dentist suggested that you come in.
2006-07-21 11:20:35 · answer #2 · answered by luckyirishgirl2004 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Periodontal disease in itself is not catching but what if your partner had an infection in the gums, maybe the infection could be passed on? Were any antibiotics prescribed? Otherwise the dentist is just drumming up more custom.
2006-07-21 10:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by blondie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Periodontal disease is not catching. However, if you have not been to the dentist in awhile, it is time to go to have your teeth cleaned and checked.
2006-07-21 10:39:53 · answer #4 · answered by m15 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not catching. It is a gum disease from not eating the correct foods and also not brushing properly. It is similar if you have an iron deficiency you will be anaemic but it is not contagious. If you havent been to the dentist in a while go to yours. If you are concerned mention it to your dentist.
2006-07-21 10:42:33 · answer #5 · answered by MissBehave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Periodontal disease is not something that you could catch..
2006-07-21 10:40:51 · answer #6 · answered by Bazinga 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cant catch it, but don't share your toothbrush. Theres no need for you to go unless you want to.
2006-07-21 10:40:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just trying to make money
2006-07-21 10:37:25 · answer #8 · answered by sandeep s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋