Is Gingivitis Contagious?

The bacteria that cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) may be spread through saliva, which means it is possible – though uncommon -- to spread through kissing or sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment with someone who has gum disease.

Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal (gum) disease caused by bacteria in the gums due to a buildup of plaque. Most adults have some signs of gingival (gum) inflammation.

What Are Symptoms of Gingivitis?

At first, gingivitis (gum disease) may have no symptoms. When they do occur, early symptoms of gingivitis may include: 

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing teeth

If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis (also called periodontal disease) that also affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis may include:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth 
• Gum abscesses

In rare cases, a condition called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) can develop suddenly and symptoms are usually more severe than those of regular gingivitis and may include:

• Bleeding, painful gums
• Painful ulcers
• Receding gums in between teeth
• Bad breath
• A metallic taste in the mouth
• Excess saliva in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or talking
• Fever

Gingivitis (gum disease) is caused by a build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that coats the teeth. The most common reason for this buildup and bacterial infection is poor oral hygiene. When plaque is not removed regularly with proper brushing and flossing, it can build up and cause gum inflammation, redness, bleeding, and tenderness. 

Risk factors for gingivitis include:  

• Smoking  
• Older age
• Diabetes 
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy 
• Weakened immune system, such as from HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy treatment
• Malnutrition 
• Stress
• Certain medicines that cause dry mouth such as antidepressants and antihistamines

Gingivitis is frequently caused by bacteria present in plaque, which builds up and results in gum inflammation and redness. Technically, gingivitis itself is not contagious, but the bacteria that cause it may be. 

The bacteria that cause gingivitis may be spread through saliva, which means it is possible – though uncommon -- to spread through kissing or sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment with someone who has gum disease. 

It has also been found that children are more likely to develop gum disease if their parents have it. Infants whose immune systems are still developing are at higher risk of getting gingivitis if a parent with gingivitis kisses their baby on the lips.

Gingivitis is most often diagnosed with an oral exam from a dentist. The examination may include: 

• Measurement of the pocket depth of the space between the gums and teeth
• Dental X-rays

Other tests may be recommended if underlying conditions are suspected.

Mild gingivitis can often be treated with proper oral hygiene which includes:

• Brushing teeth at least twice daily 
• Brush for about 2 minutes
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Flossing regularly
• Not smoking 
• Getting regular dental check-ups

For more severe gingivitis, dental treatment may include:

• A professional dental cleaning called a scaling to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque)
• Root planing (debridement), which is a deep clean under the gums to get rid of bacteria at the roots of the teeth
• Surgery, such as tooth removal

Treatment for acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) includes the above along with: 

• Antibiotics, such as metronidazole or amoxicillin
• Painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Prescription mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide 

If gingivitis is not addressed and the plaque or tartar is not removed from the teeth, the condition may lead to periodontitis, where the tissue that supports the teeth is affected.

If periodontitis is left untreated, complications may include:

• Recurrent gum abscesses  
• Damage to the tissue that connects the tooth to the socket (periodontal ligament)
• Increased damage to and loss of the bone in the jaw that contains the sockets of the teeth (alveolar bone)
• Receding gums 
• Loose teeth 
• Tooth loss

Gum disease is also associated with an increased risk for other health conditions, such as: 

• Cardiovascular disease
• Lung infections 
• Premature labor and low birth weight in women affected during pregnancy