can kissing lead to gum disease?

Question

my girlfriend went to a new dentist, and i believe he is milking her for her money. she does to the dentist monthly, and on her first visit to a new dentist, he tells her that she has some kind of gum disease and it can be passed through kissing. i have never heard of this, and i would like to see if this guy is just trying to rob us!

Answer 1

Apparently there is more and more evidence that the bacteria that cause periodontal (gum) disease can be spread from person to person. You can lose teeth from it. (It happened to my dad.)
http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/new_page_3.htm

Here's more info, from the American Academy of Periodontology:
Periodontal (gum) disease may be passed from parents to children and between a couple, according to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association. Researchers suggest bacteria that cause periodontal disease pass though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.

Up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to developing severe periodontal disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. These findings could result in the early identification and treatment of at-risk patients.

Based on this research, The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If one family member has periodontal disease, the AAP recommends that all family members see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.
http://www.perio.org/consumer/webfamilies.htm

To prevent it, you need to keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing:
http://info.umc.edu/quiz.php?qid=4

Answer 2

Thankfully, the answers above me are all well-informed.

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.

Answer 3

Gum disease is not contagious. It's usually caused by particles of food and infection occurring between the teeth that lodge below the gum line. As it progresses, the pockets of infection formed here get deeper and deeper down to the bone supporting the tooth. Then, in extreme cases, bone loss can occur and the teeth can be lost.

Answer 4

firstly, what kind of kissing do you both do?
if you just touch lips and lips, it's very low possibility to lead gum diseases.
but if you're kissing such as french kiss or include the saliva, then yes, it's possible.
most of gum diseases are caused by bacterias so your girlfriend's saliva could be contaminated by the bacterias.
now, the bacterias are normal flora in mouth or not??
if it's normal flora in mouth, it's okay for kissing, because you have the bacteria also.
but if it's other's bacteria, you should be careful, it could be sexual disease that has manifestation in mouth.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Yes!Do not kiss any hobos or homeless ppl!
Most of all,pull up your pants & walk away from the dentist!Walk away from the girlfriend also!

Answer 7

HELLO,

YES! IRENE F. IS CORRECT.
THE BACTERIA OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE MAY B E PASSED FROM THE INFECTED PERSON TO ANOTHER.
FYI 75% OF THE AMERICAN ADULT POLULATION HAS THIS PAINLESS DISEASE.