I'm David, a saliva scientist. today we’re talking about 3 things you didn’t know about gum disease.

1. Gum disease is contagious! that’s right. research shows that the bacteria that cause gum disease can be transmitted from person to person, especially from people with the disease.
2. Antiseptic mouthwash only temporarily reduces symptoms of gum disease! the microbes in your mouth that cause gum disease rapidly grow back, especially if you lack the beneficial microbes that can prevent the bad ones from returning.
3. Gum disease can significantly increase your risk of IBD! The bacteria in your mouth can travel to the gut and trigger inflammation. Specific inflammatory bacterial species are associated with disease in both the mouth and the gut. You really are what you eat.