The Role of Genetics In Gum Disease

Gum diseases are a common dental issue, with over a billion people suffering across the globe. Periodontal diseases not only affect the mouth but also affect one’s overall health. Diet, hygiene, dental visitations, and tobacco all impact oral health. One must also understand that genetics also plays an essential role in gum disease.

This article will help you learn what gum diseases are and what preventive measures you can take. You can also learn how to treat and prevent gum diseases. You can manage your oral health better with the necessary testing and detection methods.

What Are Gum Diseases?

Gum disease is an infection related to the gums or surrounding tissues supporting teeth. It is also called periodontal disease and is caused by bacterial buildup. People with poor oral hygiene, brushing, and flossing habits suffer from these diseases.

If food particles are not cleaned properly, they cover the surface of the teeth. It becomes tartar and is impossible to clean without professional help. You need to visit the dentist regularly to ensure no infection or inflammation is present. Professional cleaning and good oral hygiene also help to minimize gum diseases.

Testing Gums For Genetical Periodontal Diseases

People with gum or periodontal disease can have some genetic influence. Over 30% of humans have some genetic factor leading to gum-related issues. There are some DNA tests available that can help you identify the probability of gum-related problems. However, not all gum disease can be identified using these tests.

People must remember that if they have proper hygiene and regular dental checkups, the chance of gum disease is reduced to zero or none. Despite the genetic factor, only poor oral routine causes advanced periodontal diseases.

Treatment of Gum Disease

There is no definite way to treat all gum diseases. A brushing and flossing routine is common to minimize the impact. However, getting a dental checkup and understanding the disease’s advancements is essential. You need to maintain oral hygiene during this period. Diet and what to avoid must be kept well in mind.

• Dental Checkups

If you have any gum disease symptoms, you need to visit your dentist. You will then learn what gum problem you have and the required treatment. Minor oral problems can be treated using home remedies. However, if your disease has reached an advanced stage, you might need a surgical approach.

• Non-surgical Methods

Scaling and root planning, professional cleaning, and many other approaches are used if there are excessive deposits. Tartar is a hardened plaque that needs professional cleaning to remove. You can also have antibiotics to fight bacteria buildup and infection. Gum inflammation, bleeding gums, and infected tissue are some common symptoms of periodontal disease.

• Surgical Treatments

You might need a gum specialist if you have a severe gum disease. Flap surgery is used to clean roots and repair bone damage in your teeth. Pocket reduction surgery is also done to reduce tooth pocket size.

• Home Remedies

Rinsing the mouth with dilute hydrogen peroxide, flossing, and brushing your teeth are some of the common home remedies. You can take some antibiotics and pain relievers to manage the symptoms of gum disease.

Prevention Measures For Gum Disease

Even if you have no genetic history of gum disease, you must stay careful. Preventive measures and good oral hygiene can help you avoid many gum-related issues. Brushing and flossing daily are essential, but there are several other factors to which you should pay attention. Here are some essential tips you can follow to minimize periodontal diseases.

• Oral Hygiene

You need to clean your teeth properly. Brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and rinsing the mouth after every meal is essential. If you have any gum problems, lukewarm water gargles might also help. You must get professional cleaning at least once every year to clean any hard-to-reach areas.

• Regular Dental Visits

All precautions and your efforts can only checked by a professional. This is why visiting the dentist every few months is vital. Dentists can check and suggest how to improve your oral health. You can also ask them for suggestions and advice to improve your oral hygiene.

• Diet

Diet is the other crucial factor for your oral health. The list of what to eat and avoid must be followed strictly. This way, you can keep bacteria buildup in check. Alcohol and tobacco should not consumed if you have any gum disease symptoms. You must not smoke for 72 hours after any oral treatment procedure.

• Getting Periodontal History

You need to get yourself checked if you have any periodontal history. Genetical testing can help you stay one foot ahead. You can take extra care of your gum health. Gum disease is not something that you can get by sharing a plate of food. And cannot grow to an advanced stage in a day.

People with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease have a higher probability of having gum disease. You must get regular dental exams and follow a strict oral hygiene routine to avoid advanced disease.

Conclusion

Gum disease is any infection or inflammation of gums and surrounding tissue that affects your oral health. These diseases are not all genetically based but can have more impact based on your family history. This is why you must pay close attention to your oral health and have a strict diet and oral routine.

If you have any symptoms of gum disease or a family history of gum disease, you can visit our experts at San Antonio Dentist, TX. With the right guidance and advice, you can improve your oral health. You can also visit us for professional cleaning and expert periodontal procedures with our gum specialist.