{"id":985,"date":"2026-10-22T17:15:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:15:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pittsburghissmiling.com\/blog\/?p=985"},"modified":"2026-10-22T17:15:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:15:26","slug":"is-gingivitis-contagious","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pittsburghissmiling.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/22\/is-gingivitis-contagious\/","title":{"rendered":"When Sharing Isn\u2019t Caring: How Gingivitis Can Be Contagious"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With fall here and winter right around the corner, many people are already doing their best to protect themselves before the official start of cold and flu season begins. But while extra steps like applying sanitizer, getting a flu shot, and wearing a mask all may help avoid illness, there\u2019s another danger that could cause chaos if you aren\u2019t careful to prevent it. Here\u2019s how you can get the first stage of gum disease<\/a>, gingivitis, from others, and what you can do to stop the spread!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Causes Gingivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which is a bacterial infection of the periodontal tissue. Thankfully, in most cases the condition is completely reversible. In fact, eliminating it is often as easy as improving your at-home oral hygiene routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are many things that cause gingivitis, in most cases it is due to poor oral hygiene, but it can also develop if you smoke or vape, take certain medications, are genetically predisposed, or it can even be passed from person to person by sharing utensils, cups, and toothbrushes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Warning Signs of Gingivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although it can be difficult to diagnose any<\/em> stage of periodontal disease on your own, early warning signs of gingivitis include bleeding when you brush and floss, and red, tender, or swollen gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You \u201cCatch\u201d Gingivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it may seem strange, gingivitis can often be transmitted from person to person by spreading s. mutans bacteria from an infected mouth to a healthy one.  The good news is that if you presently take good care of your smile, you can easily kill off these dangerous critters with regular brushing and flossing, but if you have poor oral hygiene already, they could easily thrive in your mouth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Prevent Gingivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preventing gingivitis is a lot easier than you might think. To do so, simply ensure the following steps are part of your regular routine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n