Is Gum Disease Genetic ?

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, whether it be relatively minor gingivitis or potentially serious and teeth-threatening periodontitis. A lot of articles that you’ll read about gum disease include a statement that goes something like this: “Thankfully, gum disease is preventable.” Is that always true? Many cases of gum disease can be prevented, but research shows that many of them are also caused by genetic factors.  Here’s what you need to know about the causes of gum disease. If you’re concerned about your own risk factors, get in touch with a dentist near you for their advice.

Is gum disease genetic?

One 2017 study published in the International Journal of Dentistry reviewed 13 earlier studies involving 71,531 participants. The study confirmed the significant relationship between the risk of developing periodontal disease and several sets of genetic characteristics.

One recent study specifically found that genetic factors appeared to contribute to approximately one-half of cases of gum disease and that approximately 30% of people may be genetically vulnerable to developing gum disease.

What all of this means is that there are some people who may, despite their careful and conscientious commitment to daily dental hygiene habits, develop gum disease that could place their gums, teeth and oral and general health at risk.

What else causes gum disease?

Genetics are not the only cause of gum disease. In reality, gum disease in any particular person can be caused or worsened by multiple factors. Furthermore, the research into the genetic influences of gum disease establishes that genetic factors increase the risk of developing gum disease. Given that heightened risk, identifying and eliminating the other causes of gum disease are even more important if you have a family history of gum disease that might, if left to run rampant, require undergoing periodontal surgery near you. The non-genetic causes of and risk factors for gum disease include:

•  Age. Over 70% of American seniors have periodontal disease

• Smoking not only causes cancer, heart disease and lung disease, but is also one of the key risk factors in the emergence and progression of gum disease

• Stress not only contributes to cancer and hypertension, but also increases the risk of developing gum disease by making it harder for the body to resist infection

• Some prescription medications such as oral contraceptives, heart medications and antidepressants increase the risk of gum disease. If you’re concerned about your particular vulnerability to periodontal disease, speak to your pharmacist about those potential adverse side effects while still getting treatment you need for other serious medical conditions

• Bad habits such as clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth accelerate the destruction of gum tissue where periodontal disease is present

• Diseases that affect your body’s inflammatory system — diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease are good examples — can worsen the condition of your gums

• If you have a poor diet, your body may be lacking essential nutrients on which your immune system relies to resist infect, including infections of your gum tissue

While there are effective treatments for gingivitis and periodontitis, including periodontal surgeries in Naples, the best and most effective approach to gum disease is to prevent the development of infection and respond as quickly as possible to the earliest apparent symptoms.

If you have a significant family medical history of periodontal disease and are concerned about your own vulnerability and need for early detection, diagnosis and intervention, contact a dentist in Naples as soon as possible to begin the process of identifying and addressing your personal risk of gum disease.