{"id":203,"date":"2019-08-22T18:02:34","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T18:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/?p=203"},"modified":"2019-09-05T18:02:46","modified_gmt":"2019-09-05T18:02:46","slug":"are-tooth-decay-and-gum-disease-genetic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/2019\/08\/22\/are-tooth-decay-and-gum-disease-genetic\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Genetic?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Lots of traits can be passed down from generation to\ngeneration, such as hair color, height, and unfortunately, some diseases. Most\nof us have some unlucky condition in our family history, like heart disease or\nbreast cancer. However, a new study from the University of Bristol in the UK\nsuggests that genetics also play a part in whether you contract gum disease or\ntooth decay. Read more below as a dentist<\/a>\nin Longmont talks about what the results of that study mean to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Did the Study Find?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Researchers looked at the genetic code of nearly half a\nmillion Brits to determine whether oral health problems had a genetic basis. They\nwere able to identify 47 different genes with connections to decay and gum\ndisease. These include genes that help form the jawbone, those that affect\nbacteria on the teeth, and those that affect protective aspects of saliva. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study also looked at a potential link between dental\nhealth issues and metabolic and cardiovascular health factors like obesity and\nsmoking. The researchers concluded that there was a causal link between some of\nthese risk factors and tooth decay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does That Mean for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you take diligent care of your teeth but still find\nyourself highly prone to cavities, that likely means it\u2019s simply a part of your\ngenetics. It could also be a result of certain unhealthy habits like smoking or\neating a diet poor in nutrients and high in sugar and starches. Either way, it\nmeans you\u2019re going to have to work extra hard to stay on top of your oral\nhealth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a few habits you can integrate into your daily\nlife to minimize your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. These\ninclude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n