A 1997 report in the Journal of the American Dental Association states that periodontal (gum) disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples.This report agrees with other recent findings that support the association between periodontal disease and family members.
Bacteria that causes periodontal disease can pass though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease through the transmission of bacteria from another family member.

Based on this research, we advise that all members in a family where one member has periodontal disease, be screened by a qualified dental provider for this disease. Early detection can prevent tooth loss.