Dentists of the past have observed that people who have bad teeth and gum disease tend to produce offspring who also have them. Many years ago, it led some dentists to believe that it was probably hereditary. Genetic science has since confirmed the idea that there are specific genes that are often behind gum disease.
Moreover, there is a more severe medical condition known as Aggressive Periodontitis, where a patient starts losing bone around their teeth very rapidly. Let’s study some popular scenarios related to periodontitis.
What Is A Gum Disease Gene?
Although it is not alone, the gene that is the most common thought behind gum disease is called IL-1. This seems to be the most notorious gene. The CDC has declared that it believes about 30 %of all Americans have this gene. It is reported that 47.2 % of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease at the current time. These statistics reveal that many people do not have the gene.
Even when DNA testing reveals that the gene is present, it does not prove that it will develop the disease. The likelihood is more significant, but it is not a guarantee that the disease will come.
Testing genes for potential genetic disorders has possibly caused more people to be concerned about it than should be. Most likely, other factors must enter into the equation before the disease manifests itself.
Bacteria and Periodontal Disease – Which One Is The Culprit?
One of the most significant factors behind gum disease is the bacteria that cause it. There are more than 500 different types of bacteria in your mouth. Some of them are behind the development of cavities and gum disease.
When you consume sugar, some of these bacteria produce acid. It will do so for the next 20 minutes each time you eat a carb, sugar, or sweet food or drink. The bacteria will also multiply faster as a result.
It is the acid and the bacteria that irritate the gums, which starts an immune reaction. At the same time, the gums are pulling away from the teeth, which enables even more bacteria to pour into the new spaces. They develop colonies in the pockets that have formed on the gums at the same time.
As the reaction to the bacteria and inflammation spreads, it becomes an autoimmune reaction. The immune system starts attacking the gums, the support structures for the teeth, and the jawbone. Over time, the teeth will start to become loose and may even fall out. As the disease is spreading, it often is painless until a lot of damage has already been done.
Other Factors Responsible for Periodontal Disease
Bacteria are the primary trigger. When bacteria that produce acid is left on the teeth for long periods, it will irritate the gums and start the immune reaction. The plaque can build up because of poor oral care. It soon becomes tartar, which a toothbrush cannot remove. The bacteria can then freely hide in the tartar, producing more acid and causing more irritation.
Note that bacteria have little to do with genes. It is already in your mouth, and it will continue to produce acid. The fundamental way to stop the problem is to keep the bacteria off your gums and teeth. You can help do that by brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing once a day. Ideally, you want to brush after meals – or at least rinse your mouth out with water.
How Smoking And Gum Disease Impacts Lifestyle?
Smoking is a lifestyle habit that you can and should stop if you want to avoid periodontal disease. It dramatically raises the likelihood of developing it. While non-smokers have a 4.9 chance of developing the disease, those currently smoking have a 15.6 % chance.
It is believed that more than half of the current cases of periodontitis are caused by smoking. It is also known that smoking reduces the effectiveness of the immune system in your mouth and body. Another problem with smoking is that it also reduces how fast you heal after treating gum disease.
How To Reduce Gum Disease?
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Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Cutting back on your sugar intake is very important to preventing gum disease. So is preventing a dry mouth. This problem enables the bacteria to multiply rapidly and exposes your teeth to more acid. Your saliva is necessary to help keep the bacteria and acid off of your teeth and gums, and the minerals in it will help strengthen your teeth.
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Make Regular Dental Visits
It only makes sense to do all you can to help yourself avoid gum disease – whether you have inherited the gene or not. Part of good oral disease prevention also includes seeing a dentist regularly to help you watch for the disease and treat it if it should develop.
If your family history reveals that you probably have the genes for gum disease, or if you already have it and are looking for a periodontist to help you with periodontal treatment, Dr. Kumar T. Vadivel, DDS, FDS RCS, MS, a Board Certified Periodontist, can help you.
