Every person has their own unique point where bacteria and resistance to disease comes into balance.

People with strong resistance fight off gum disease more efficiently and with less effort. People with weak resistance show signs of oral diseases even at low bacterial levels. Balance for them requires more attention to diet, home care, professional treatment and overall health.

One speck of plaque contains between 200 million and 500 million bacteria which secrete damaging acids and other toxic waste products.

Unless removed efficiently daily, plaque grows astronomically and triggers the development of gum disease, tooth decay, infections, white tongue and halitosis (chronic bad breath).

Early stage gum disease, begins with a mild, localized inflammation which is virtually "un-noticeable". It can progress by destroying attachment fibers which secure the gums to the teeth.

At more advanced stages, thin pockets open up between the gums and teeth and begin to fill up with pus. Progressing further, gum pockets enlarge by pulling away from the teeth as bone recedes and giant reservoirs of dead cells, toxins and pus open up.

At just about anytime (whether gum disease is mild or advanced) tooth decay and infections can occur. The same bacteria infecting teeth are spilling out of thin pockets or giant pus reservoirs, coating the tongue with layers of plaque (white tongue). Volital sulphur compounds (fetid smelling gases) are emitted as dead cells break down and halitosis (chronic bad breath) arrives.

Which stage of gum disease do you want to kiss?

A notable study done in 1998 demonstrated the actual transmission of periodontal pathogens (disease causing bacteria) through direct person-to-person contact.

Genco R.J., Zambou J.J., Christersson L.A. : "The Origin of Periodontal Infections"
Adv Dent Res 1988; 2:245-259.

Transmission of disease causing bacteria from person-to-person occurred using shared toothbrushes and droplets of saliva.

So... can you get gum disease by kissing someone?

Transmission of pathogens from person-to-person does occur, but does that mean you will get gum disease?

That depends upon the level of your own periodontal health, efficiency of your own oral hygiene, your own immunity and resistance to oral diseases and the frequency of ongoing professional care. Odds are (80%) that you already have gum disease.

Tooth decay, dental infections, gum disease and "white tongue" are all bacterial driven conditions. What this means is...efficient, daily home care performed once every 24 hours eliminates disease causing bacteria and prevents complications!

Ask your dental health care professionals about a personalized, comprehensive plan of preventive dental care.