Q.
Hi, my husbands just been told that he has gum disease of our family dentist, so I am just wondering if it’s possible that someone else catch it through kissing?
Hi, my husbands just been told that he has gum disease of our family dentist, so I am just wondering if it’s possible that someone else catch it through kissing?
A.
The transmission of oral bacteria from one person to another via kissing is possible. The overwhelming number of bacteria exchange during kissing allows for the conclusion that bacterial transmission is a reality. However in most instances this is not significant as the cause of gum disease is multifactorial in nature and affects only susceptible individuals. It may be a relevant consideration when patients have a low resistance to gum disease. It has been suggested that transmission through kissing can be significant when adults who have or had gum disease with aggressive type of bacteria have partners with untreated gum disease or children. In those cases they should be closely evaluated for gum disease.
The transmission of oral bacteria from one person to another via kissing is possible. The overwhelming number of bacteria exchange during kissing allows for the conclusion that bacterial transmission is a reality. However in most instances this is not significant as the cause of gum disease is multifactorial in nature and affects only susceptible individuals. It may be a relevant consideration when patients have a low resistance to gum disease. It has been suggested that transmission through kissing can be significant when adults who have or had gum disease with aggressive type of bacteria have partners with untreated gum disease or children. In those cases they should be closely evaluated for gum disease.
Dr Jose Zurdo
Mall Dental Care
Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 4DU
Web: www.malldental.com Tel: 0161 830 7300
