Is periodontitis contagious?
Since the disease is caused by bacteria, it is theoretically conceivable that the disease itself could be transmitted by bacterial transmission. The special aggressive bacteria of periodontitis are located directly on the tooth surface and under the gums. Water, for example, rinses the plaque, the plaque in which the bacteria do not simply settle.The disease cannot be transmitted so easily by droplets.
However, in direct contact, for example during intensive kissing, some bacteria could be transmitted. However, there are no studies that can prove the infection of periodontitis. Especially since the mere presence of bacteria in the mouth is not responsible for the outbreak of periodontitis.
If you brush your teeth well and regularly, you will eliminate the bacteria again. In any case, you should avoid using a toothbrush together with your partner. Bacteria that are dissolved when brushing teeth are transferred to the second person’s gums via the toothbrush.
If the transfer has taken place, this does not mean that the periodontitis will also break out in the other person. Many factors play an important role here. Whether and to what extent the inflammation breaks out, depends on your own immune system and daily dental hygiene. In case of an aggressive periodontitis, one should be especially careful with contact, because the bacteria that cause this disease are, as the name describes, very aggressive and resistant to defensive attempts.
Prophylaxis of periodontitis
The correct and regular (at least 2 times a day) dental care is important. Not only the chewing, outer and inner surfaces, but also between the teeth should be cleaned with dental floss and/or interdental brushes. The tongue should also be removed once a day with a tongue cleaner. For bad breath, antibacterial mouthwashes with zinc are used. In addition, regular check-ups at the dentist and professional tooth cleaning are advisable.
Stages of periodontitis
The preliminary stage of an inflammation that affects the entire periodontium is simple gingivitis, also called gingivitis. It is also caused by bacteria, but their symptoms are less pronounced. If the inflammation of the gums cannot be controlled, it can easily spread to other soft tissues.
The bacteria migrate further along the tooth into the depths. Over time, the inflammation also affects the fibrous apparatus and can even spread to the bone. This already corresponds to the clinical picture of periodontitis. Since the symptoms are fluid and not the same for every patient, it is not possible to clearly distinguish between different stages.
