Is Genetic Testing Good in Treating Gum Disease – Periodontitis?

Genetic testing or DNA testing is an important observation utilized by healthcare providers to detect alterations in DNA sequence or chromosomes. In the dentistry context, a dentist utilizes this technique to check whether it is helpful or not in identifying  periodontitis.

Using DNA testing for the identification of various diseases is not a new phenomenon. It is being applied to many diseases today. Now there are multiple tests produced by different companies available to test for the genes of periodontal disease. The test’s purpose is to determine if you are a likely candidate to get this horrible gum disease. 

How Genetic Testing For Gum Disease Works?

Healthcare units that offer genetic health tests usually want a swab from the inside of your cheeks or a sample of your saliva. After they receive the sample, the companies will analyze it and then send a report to you. 

The report will reveal what kind of pathogens are in your mouth and your risk level because of them. The tests focus on periodontitis, but some of them will also reveal your risk level of other major illnesses. 

Researchers believe the bacteria and inflammation involved in periodontitis to be responsible for a whole host of diseases. This makes it even more significant to seek to identify this gum disease early and eliminate it before it can do considerable damage. A few diseases connected include cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, several types of cancer, dementia, and many more.

What Is Advanced Periodontitis?

It is believed that the presence of a particular gene, IL-1 (and other ones), reveals that the individual carrying it is much more susceptible to developing periodontitis. Since some people have gum disease that reaches the advanced stages much faster than others, this test enables the people and their dentists to watch more carefully for the disease.

periodontitis  is undoubtedly a disease that needs to be eliminated quickly. It is the primary reason why adults in the United States are losing their teeth today. It is assumed that as many as 47.2 % of adults in this country have the disease. 

What Are The Symptoms?

• The bacteria that cause it gets into the gums, and an immune reaction is started. 
• Before long, this reaction becomes an autoimmune reaction that attacks the bacteria, the ligaments that keep the teeth in place, and the jawbone. 
• Over time, the teeth will become loose and will even fall out if it is not treated. 

Getting Advance Notice

This genetic health testing aims to inform the individual of their likelihood of developing a specific disease – periodontitis. In addition to watching for the disease, the dentist will hopefully provide selective treatment designed to focus on the specific type of bacteria involved. With this combined knowledge and treatment, the dentist can be ready for the outbreak of periodontitis in the individual and should be able to stop it early. 

What Are The Possible Problems With DNA Testing?

DNA testing for genetic disorders to discover the type of periodontal disease treatment needed in the event of a breakout has its limits. One thing is there is no guarantee that you will develop the disease. 

The presence of a specific gene – or even more than one – does not provide evidence that you will get periodontitis. There are often many other factors and having the genes is only a part. Some of them include environmental or lifestyle factors. 

1. Environment & Lifestyle 

Environmental factors include things around you that may affect you and include some that you are not aware of. Lifestyle factors are things that you can control, such as whether or not you smoke or drink a lot. Some lifestyle factors by themselves could give you gum disease – genes or no genes. This includes the two just mentioned. 

Another lifestyle factor is your dental care. Not brushing your teeth or flossing is an excellent way to get periodontal disease and a lot of cavities. Leaving the bacteria on your teeth that produces acid, erodes your tooth enamel, and inflames your gums is asking for dental trouble. 

2. Preventive Care

Instead of being overly concerned about your genes, it makes much more sense to do what you can now to prevent the development of the disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly is a perfect way to start preventing periodontal disease. Other things that you can do to help prevent it include:

• Reducing the amount of sugar you consume daily

  – the harmful bacteria that cause periodontitis produce acid when you consume sugar. 

• Eat a healthy diet

  – having the correct nutrients in your diet will strengthen the enamel on your teeth and support your gum’s immune system. 

• Stay hydrated

  – not having enough saliva means that the bacteria and acid are not frequently washed off your teeth and gums. This raises your risk of gum infections and cavities. 

• See a dentist regularly

  – making regular visits to the dentist will enable the dentist to spot gum disease when it develops. The dentist can also clean your teeth and watch for other problems as well. If you know that you have the gene or genes, notify the dentist of it.

Dr. Venkataraman, DDS

Meet Our Dentist – Periodontist, Dr. Archana Venkataraman, DDS, MSD, a Board-Certified Periodontist at ToothHQ Dental Specialists Grapevine. Dr. Venkataraman can’t wait to meet you and discuss your teeth replacement options.

Read More