Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. Request a free AAP brochure on the causes and symptoms of periodontal disease. Talk to a periodontist in your area about your chances of inheriting periodontal disease. Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples, according to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association .
Researchers suggest that bacteria causing periodontal disease are passed though saliva.
This means that when a family or couple come into contact with each other's saliva, they're at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. Based on this research, the American Academy of Periodontology recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If one family member has periodontal disease, the AAP recommends that all family members see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening. More about the spread of periodontal disease within families. To keep your teeth for a lifetime, you must remove the plaque from your teeth and gums every day with proper brushing and flossing.