Your genes can influence many aspects of your life, including your appearance, your personality, and even your susceptibility to certain diseases — including gum disease! This blog post explores how your genes might influence your risk and what you can do to protect your smile regardless of whether gum disease runs in your family.
Gum Disease and Genetics
You might have heard it said that gum disease occurs when bacteria attack the gums, leading to infection. That is true. However, your DNA may influence how likely you are to become a victim of those bacteria.
- One study indicates that genetic factors play a role in about half of gum disease cases.
- Around 30% of the population may have genetic susceptibility to gum disease. Their genes may affect interleukin-1, a particular type of protein that plays a role in immune and inflammatory response.
- A rare type of gum disease, known as aggressive periodontitis, seems to have a particularly strong genetic component. It can progress rapidly and cause severe damage to the gums and underlying bone structure.
Does Family History Mean You Are Going to Get Gum Disease?
If other members of your family have been diagnosed with gum disease, you might be at increased risk due to your genes. In some cases, though, gum disease occurs in families due to shared habits and environmental factors, such as smoking and the overconsumption of sugary foods and beverages.
Regardless of whether you are genetically susceptible to gum infections, you should do all you can to protect your smile from this dangerous condition!
Protecting Your Gums
Here are some tips that can help everyone to reduce their risk of gum disease:
- Be diligent about oral hygiene. Thorough brushing and flossing are important. You should pay special attention to cleaning the area along your gumline. Your dentist might also recommend that you use an antibacterial mouth rinse.
- Avoid bad habits. Try to avoid the use of tobacco products, and do not overindulge in sugary foods.
- Eat a balanced diet. Nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and veggies, can do much to support your immune system and oral health.
- Learn your family history. If your parents, grandparents, or other close relatives have been diagnosed with gum disease, you might need to be extra-diligent about protecting yourself.
- Visit your dentist regularly. You should undergo a checkup every six months or so. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or are predisposed to it, more frequent visits might be necessary.
Gum disease can affect whole families! Practice good habits to protect yourself from this dangerous condition to the extent possible.
Meet the Practice
At Aveni Dental Professionals, we fully recognize the dangers of gum disease and are eager to help our patients avoid and/or manage it. If you have questions about how you can protect your gum health, we would love to speak with you. Contact our Plymouth, MA, office at 508-217-7454.