Gingivitis is one of the most common forms of gum disease, and it can affect anyone, even people who brush and floss regularly. It develops when harmful bacteria build up along the gumline, causing inflammation, redness, and sometimes bleeding. But if someone you love has gingivitis, you may wonder whether you can catch it, too.
The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. While gingivitis itself isn’t considered contagious in the same way as a cold or the flu, the bacteria associated with gum disease can be transferred through saliva. Understanding how this happens—and how to protect your oral health—can help keep your smile healthy.
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