A study from Umeå University in Sweden has revealed that both hereditary traits and lifestyle factors, such as obesity, education level, and personality, may contribute to the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
These conditions, known as tooth decay and periodontitis, are some of the most widespread health problems globally.
Although scientists have long suspected that genes play a role in dental health, the exact connection has been unclear.
Previous research suggested several genes might be involved, but no definitive evidence was found, likely because these dental diseases are complex and influenced by many factors.
To address this, researchers combined data from nine international clinical studies involving 62,000 participants with information from the UK Biobank, which included self-reported dental health data from 461,000 participants.
This made it the largest study ever conducted on the genetic links to dental diseases.
Using this massive dataset, the team scanned millions of points in the genome to identify genes associated with tooth decay and gum disease. They discovered 47 new genes linked to tooth decay and confirmed the role of an immune-related gene in gum disease.
The genes related to tooth decay play a variety of roles in dental health. Some help form teeth and jawbones, others contribute to protective saliva, and some influence the types of bacteria found on teeth.
For gum disease, the immune-related gene suggests that the body’s defense system plays a critical role.
Interestingly, the researchers also found potential connections between tooth decay and risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking and obesity. This highlights how oral health is deeply tied to overall health.
The study serves as a reminder that teeth are not isolated from the rest of the body—what happens in your mouth can reflect or even affect your general health.
Despite these findings, the best ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease remain the same: maintain good oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet. Brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary foods are key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
The study provides a clearer understanding of how genetics and lifestyle interact to influence dental health.
It opens the door for more research to explore these connections and potentially develop targeted treatments or prevention strategies for those at higher risk due to their genetic makeup.
Conducted by Ingegerd Johansson and her team, the study was published in Nature Communications and underscores the importance of taking care of your teeth—not just for a healthy smile but for your overall well-being.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more information about gum health, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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