{"id":509,"date":"2024-06-20T13:10:33","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T13:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifetime.dental\/blog\/?p=509"},"modified":"2025-09-24T19:34:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T19:34:10","slug":"is-gingivitis-contagious","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifetime.dental\/blog\/2024\/06\/20\/is-gingivitis-contagious\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Gingivitis Contagious?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sharing is caring, as they say, unless you\u2019re sharing something like bacteria or illness. Unfortunately, while you may not set out to pass these problems along, you can easily do so unintentionally if you\u2019re not careful. Whether it\u2019s by not covering your mouth when you\u2019re sick, touching a doorknob with contamination that you can\u2019t see, or inadvertently spreading the bacteria that causes gingivitis<\/a> by sharing a cup or toothbrush, a seemingly innocent act can cause a lot of problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Dangers of P. Gingivalis Bacteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria that cause gingivitis is known as porphyromonas gingivalis, or p. gingivalis for short.  This bacterium is present in many people\u2019s mouths, even if they don\u2019t have gingivitis or periodontal disease. But it presents in much larger numbers in those that do. Normally, the balance of \u201cgood bacteria” in your mouth can help counterbalance p. gingivalis, but if there\u2019s too much or you aren\u2019t taking good care of your oral health, it can easily wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worse yet, p.gingivalis is considered contagious. You can transmit it from mouth to mouth by sharing utensils, toothbrushes, drinkware, and even by kissing. In fact, it is so contagious that studies have shown that kids over the age of three are 26 times more likely to have gingivitis causing bacteria if their parents have it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosing Gingivitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the first steps to diagnosing and treating gingivitis is by observing any changes in your oral health. Early warning signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n