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How Complicated Genetics Can Affect Your Risk of Gum Disease

November 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — walkerddsteam @ 10:20 pm
Man checking his teeth in the mirror

It seems that researchers are constantly finding that health is more complicated than previously thought. While lifestyle habits can affect how susceptible you are to certain illnesses, there’s another component that can make you more vulnerable than the average joe. This component is genetics, and as it turns out, it can affect how likely you are to get gum disease, too!

Keep reading to learn more about what can put you at risk, and how you can avoid this serious oral condition.

Cytokine Response

Cytokines are microscopic proteins that the human body uses to control the immune system. In other words, how effectively these proteins are released can affect how your body reacts to illness. In about 30% of the population, genetics have caused the cytokines response to be either too strong or too weak. This can lead to several health complications, including frequent or chronic inflammation.

When bacteria build up becomes too much, your gums react by becoming inflamed. If the bacteria aren’t professionally eliminated, irritation will continue, eventually developing into gum disease. Someone who is already prone to inflammation due to improper cytokine response can contract gum disease earlier than others would and is at greater risk.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) can also be influenced by genetics. This condition affects the heart and blood vessels, and often creates a chain reaction that can make it easier to get gum disease and more difficult to fight it off. CVD also makes the body more prone to inflammation. The way it complicates the healing process, though, is by impairing essential blood flow to your gums.

Diabetes

If you’re on the lookout for diabetes due to your family history, you should also be wary of gum disease. Diabetes takes the disadvantages of the previous two genetic conditions – chronic inflammation and reduced blood flow – and adds a third to the mix. In cases of poorly controlled diabetes, the high blood sugar levels found in saliva accelerate oral bacteria growth. As you might have guessed, that’s bad news for your gums!

Preventative Care

There are many genetic factors that can influence how easily you might develop gum disease. However, with a dedicated oral hygiene routine and help from your dentist, you can still keep this condition at bay! Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once per day significantly mitigates bacteria build up. Remember; no build up means no inflammation, which means no gum disease.

Your dentist will be happy to support you with regular checkups and cleanings. With the two of you keeping an eye on your oral health and working hard to keep your mouth bacteria-free, you can overcome complicated genetics factors.

About the Author

Dr. Zack Walker earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors. He’s happy to help patients near Kernersville restore their oral health and maintain their beautiful smiles. If you’re concerned about gum disease, let Dr. Walker know, and he’ll help you form an effective preventative plan! To contact his office, call 336-993-3727.

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