Can you get gum disease from someone else?

Can you get gum disease from someone else? I think my girlfriend has it. There is pus on her gums and I don’t want to get it. Will it pass to me from kissing her. I feel bad asking behind her back but maybe I can get her to go to a dentist and get some help. Thanks. Mike.

Mike – Your girlfriend may very well have gum, or periodontal, disease. Pus between the gums and teeth is one symptom of gum disease. Other symptoms are gums that are inflamed, sore, or that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and increased spaces between the teeth are other symptoms. The gums may also recede, or pull away from the teeth.

Although gum disease is not contagious, the bacteria from gum disease can spread through saliva—through sharing eating utensils or drinks, coughing, sneezing, and kissing.

You should encourage your girlfriend to see a dentist to have her teeth and gums examined. If gum disease is detected early, it’s easier to reverse.

Regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to your dentist dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.