Periodontal Disease Transmission via Kissing: Low Risk, High Host Factors

Periodontitis is a **biofilm-driven inflammatory disease**, not a simple contagion. Kissing can transfer periodontal pathogens (e.g., *P. gingivalis*, *A. actinomycetemcomitans*), but disease develops only with:

• Host susceptibility (genetics, immune response)
• Local factors (plaque retention, smoking, diabetes)
• Dysbiotic microbiome shift

Risk from kissing is **low**. Prevention: meticulous oral hygiene, professional cleanings, smoking cessation, glycemic control. Treat active disease to reduce bacterial load.