Periodontal disease is caused by an inflammatory response to germs behind the gums, according to research, thus it is technically not communicable. The bacteria that trigger the inflammatory reaction, on the other hand, can be transmitted by saliva. This means that if a member of your family has periodontal disease, it's best to avoid coming into contact with their saliva by not sharing dining utensils or dental equipment. If you find that your spouse or a family member is showing signs of a periodontal issue (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or poor breath), you should recommend that they visit a periodontist for an examination. It may be beneficial to everyone in the family's dental health.