A large study led by researchers from Umeå University in Sweden has found that both our genes and lifestyle choices, like how much we weigh, our education, and even our personality, can 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 around the world. They can lead to pain, tooth loss, and other serious health issues if not treated properly.
Scientists have believed for a long time that genes might play a part in whether someone is more likely to get cavities or gum disease. However, finding the exact connection has always been challenging. Earlier studies pointed to a few genes that could be linked to dental problems, but the evidence wasn’t strong enough.
This is mainly because tooth decay and gum disease are influenced by many things, not just genetics. Your eating habits, how often you brush your teeth, and whether you smoke or not all play a big role.
To get clearer answers, the researchers collected data from nine different clinical studies involving 62,000 people. They also used information from the UK Biobank, which has health information from about 461,000 people who shared details about their dental health.
This made the study the largest ever to explore the link between genetics and dental diseases. With such a massive amount of data, the researchers were able to look closely at millions of points in the human genome to see if certain genes were linked to tooth decay and gum disease.
The results were groundbreaking. They found 47 new genes that are connected to tooth decay. They also confirmed that an immune-related gene is important for gum disease. These discoveries help explain why some people seem more likely to get cavities or gum infections even if they brush and floss regularly.
The genes linked to tooth decay do many different things. Some help in forming teeth and the bones of the jaw, some help produce protective saliva, and others affect the types of bacteria that grow in your mouth.
Saliva, for example, is important because it helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids that can damage your teeth. If your saliva isn’t working well, you might be more at risk for cavities.
For gum disease, the researchers found that the immune system has a big impact. This makes sense because gum disease is basically an infection that causes your body’s defense system to react.
When your immune response is too strong or too weak, it can damage the tissue around your teeth, causing gums to swell and bleed. Over time, this can lead to teeth becoming loose or even falling out.
Another surprising finding was the link between tooth decay and certain risk factors for heart disease, like smoking and obesity. This suggests that your oral health is not separate from the rest of your body. If you are at risk for heart problems, you might also be at risk for dental problems, and vice versa.
It shows that taking care of your teeth is not just about having a nice smile; it’s also about protecting your overall health.
Despite these new discoveries, the main ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease haven’t changed. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and eating a healthy diet with less sugar are still the best steps you can take. These habits help remove food particles and plaque, which are the main causes of cavities and gum problems.
This large study is important because it helps us understand that dental health is not only about how well you clean your teeth but also about your genetic makeup and your lifestyle. For people who are genetically more at risk, this research could lead to better treatments or prevention plans in the future.
Scientists now have a clearer idea of which genes are involved, and this opens the door for more studies to understand exactly how these genes work. In the long run, we may even be able to create treatments that are tailored to a person’s genetic risk.
The study was led by Ingegerd Johansson and her team and was published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. Their work highlights that good oral health is an important part of overall well-being, and understanding the role of genetics could lead to new ways to protect our teeth and gums.
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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