Recently, you found out that other people in your family have gum disease. As a result, you have found yourself wondering, “Am I at risk for gum problems as well?” Anyone can develop gum disease, but could your genetics put you at a higher risk for the condition? Here are the facts that you need to keep in mind if you want to protect your gums and maintain an overall healthy smile.
How Genetics Can Affect Your Risk for Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue; it often starts with mild symptoms, but it can eventually lead to tooth loss and other serious oral health consequences if it isn’t treated in time. Generally speaking, gum disease is typically the result of poor oral hygiene practices. However, there are certain genetic factors that can make specific individuals more susceptible to gum problems.
For instance, research indicates that around 30% of people have issues with their cytokine response due to their genetics. Cytokines are special proteins that cells use to communicate with each other. They play a critical role in controlling the immune system in order to fight inflammation in the mouth and other parts of the body. Consequently, impaired cytokine response can leave you with a weakened immune system. As a result, your body will have a harder time fending off gum disease.
How Can You Lower Your Chances of Developing Gum Disease?
The good news is that gum disease is a preventable oral health issue. Even if your gums are more vulnerable to infection due to your genetics, there are several steps you can take to keep them healthy. Below are some simple tips you can follow to make gum disease less likely to occur:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: You should make a point of brushing and flossing at least two times a day. This helps prevent the accumulation of plaque that can contribute to gum disease.
- Change Your Diet: Try making an effort to eat more fatty fish, leafy greens, and other foods that promote healthy gums. At the same time, you should limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods that increase the chances of gum disease occurring.
- Keep Up With Your Regular Dental Visits: When you visit your dentist for your biannual checkups and cleanings, they can look for the warning signs of gum disease. Identifying the issue as early as possible makes it significantly easier to treat.
In short, it is possible for an increased risk of developing gum disease to run in your family. Fortunately, it’s still possible to keep your mouth healthy simply by maintaining the right habits.
About the Practice
At EMA Dental of Westfield, our dentists provide award-winning dental care to help local patients improve the health of their smiles and enhance their overall quality of life. Our team will always make sure that you’re well-informed about your oral health needs and your options for treatment. When it comes to gum disease, we can help you get the problem under control with thorough, gentle scaling and root planing. If you’re concerned about inflamed or bleeding gums, you can schedule an appointment with our team by visiting our website or calling (413) 568-1698.