Periodontal disease is a contact sport with teeth.

My new blog even shocked me.

The American Academy of Periodontology (www.perio.org) says, “Research suggests that the bacteria causing periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.”

Exchanging medical and criminal records are old news when getting serious about a relationship. Does this mean we have to exchange dental records before dating someone new?

Go brush your teeth.

or live in a very sterile world. Thx Saundra

Saundra, it makes sense, but gross!
That's my last french kiss. My lips are sealed.
J/K...

Actually, unless you are french kissing, you cannot pass these bacteria on. You can give your children Strep Mutans by sharing food with the same utensil (like feeding a child and doing that airplane thing with mommy sharing!).

Diseases like diabetes, that run in families, can pre-dispose you to periodontal disease. Diabetics do not heal will; therefore, they are more susceptible to perio disease.

Just one more bug-a-boo we have to contend with.