{"id":119,"date":"2026-07-27T15:03:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T15:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emadentalwestfield.com\/blog\/?p=119"},"modified":"2026-07-27T15:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T15:03:42","slug":"gum-disease-and-genetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emadentalwestfield.com\/blog\/gum-disease-and-genetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Family History Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Close-up<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Recently, you found out that other people in your family have gum disease. As a result, you have found yourself wondering, \u201cAm I at risk for gum problems as well?\u201d Anyone can develop gum disease<\/a>, 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Genetics Can Affect Your Risk for Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Lower Your Chances of Developing Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n