Can You Catch Gum Disease From Kissing? What to Know

This week’s newsletter is a day late because my wife Roseann and I spent the evening on a Valentine’s Day sunset wildflower hike, enjoying the unusually warm weather here in Napa Valley.

Can you catch gum disease from a kiss? 💋

Yes — bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease can be transferred through saliva. That said, simply sharing a kiss doesn’t guarantee someone will develop gum disease. Oral health depends on many factors, including personal oral hygiene, immune response, diet, and the existing balance of bacteria in each person’s mouth. For this reason, I recommend avoiding kissing young children on the lips and be cautious about sharing utensils, which can transmit bacteria more directly.

Read more: https://askthedentist.com/can-you-get-gum-disease-from-kissing/

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Episode #48: What are the benefits of oil pulling?

Tune in to this week’s podcast episode to learn:

  • Why I don’t dismiss Ayurvedic practices as an evidence-based clinician
  • Who may benefit from oil pulling
  • How to oil pull safely and effectively

Also: FAQ about the oil pulling chews recipes on my website.

Please help spread the word about the oral-systemic connection by leaving a review for the podcast.

As always, you can submit questions for the podcast here.

Thanks for reading and have a great week,

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P.S. I’ve been a customer of Pete’s Paleo for nearly ten years. When patients shift even partially toward a paleo-style diet, I often see improvements: easier dental visits, more energy, better satisfaction after meals, and fewer cravings.

When we babysit our four-year-old granddaughter, she always asks for “Opa food,” which is usually just Pete’s Paleo.

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