Is periodontal disease contagious?
Recent advances in DNA labeling show that bacteria of the same genetic makeup are frequently found in married couples, or couples who have spent many years in cohabitation. Since these bacteria are identical from a DNA point of view, it can be assumed that they have been transmitted from person to person. A periodontal screening at our office can determine whether or not you are at risk for developing periodontal disease. Why can’t we treat periodontal disease with antibiotics alone as we do other infections in the body? The mouth is one of only two places in the body which is not sterile when it is healthy. We require many different types of bacteria to help us digest our food. The long term use of antibiotics which would be necessary to constantly control the bacteria which cause periodontal disease would certainly have side effects which would be worse than the disease itself.
According to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, bacteria causing periodontal disease may be passed though saliva. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that if one family member has periodontal disease, then all family members should see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening.
