A large study led by researchers at Umeå University in Sweden has shown that both our genes and the way we live affect our risk of getting tooth decay and gum disease.
These two conditions, also known as cavities and periodontitis, are among the most common health problems in the world. They can cause pain, lead to tooth loss, and even affect other parts of the body if left untreated.
For a long time, scientists believed that genetics had something to do with why some people get more dental problems than others.
But it was hard to find clear answers. Many earlier studies had small groups of people and weak evidence. That’s because dental health isn’t controlled by genes alone—things like diet, brushing habits, and smoking also play a big role.
To better understand the link between genetics and dental problems, the researchers used data from nine clinical studies that included 62,000 people. They also used the UK Biobank, which holds health information from about 461,000 people, including their dental health history.
This made it the biggest study ever done on the connection between genes and dental diseases. The team looked at millions of places in the human genome to find any patterns linked to cavities and gum disease.
The results were impressive. They found 47 new genes that are related to tooth decay and confirmed that a gene involved in the immune system is connected to gum disease. These discoveries help explain why some people get cavities or gum infections even if they take good care of their teeth.
The genes linked to tooth decay do many different things. Some help form teeth and jaw bones. Others affect how much protective saliva your mouth makes or which bacteria grow there. Saliva is important because it washes away food and neutralizes acids that damage teeth. If your saliva doesn’t work properly, you may have a higher risk of getting cavities.
When it comes to gum disease, the immune system plays a key role. Gum disease is basically an infection, and your body’s response can either help or make things worse. If your immune system is too weak or too strong, it can damage your gums and cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.
One unexpected finding was a link between tooth decay and heart disease risk factors like smoking and obesity. This shows that your dental health is connected to your overall health. If you’re at risk for heart problems, you may also be at risk for dental issues.
This study proves that dental health isn’t just about how well you brush and floss. Your genes and lifestyle both matter. For people with a higher genetic risk, these findings may help doctors develop better treatments or ways to prevent problems before they start.
Still, the basics haven’t changed. The best ways to prevent cavities and gum disease are to brush twice a day, floss regularly, eat less sugar, and visit the dentist. These steps help remove food and plaque, which are the main causes of these problems.
This important study, led by Ingegerd Johansson, was published in Nature Communications. It shows that understanding our genes can help us protect our teeth and gums in smarter ways, improving not just our smile but our whole-body health.
If you care about tooth 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 health information, 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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