{"id":160,"date":"2022-07-04T14:55:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T14:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riverplacedds.com\/blog\/?p=160"},"modified":"2022-08-17T15:00:31","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T15:00:31","slug":"can-gum-disease-be-genetic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.riverplacedds.com\/blog\/2022\/07\/can-gum-disease-be-genetic\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Gum Disease Be Genetic?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There are a lot of traits that you inherit from your parents\u2014virtually everything from the color of your hair to the length of your pinky finger is determined by genetics. But did you know that your genes can also leave you vulnerable to certain medical conditions? These can vary from the serious to the mundane, but one you should definitely be aware of is gum disease! Believe it or not, gum disease isn\u2019t just the result of poor oral habits\u2014unfortunately, genetics plays a role as well. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist<\/a> about this link along with some tips for keeping your smile healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Can My Genes Cause Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine have found that children of parents with periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, are more likely to have problems with their own gums, even if they practice regular oral hygiene. Your body\u2019s immune system contains a special gene called beta defensin 1, or DEFB1. This unique gene is responsible for helping to protect you from nasty problems like tooth decay and gum disease. But unfortunately, you can inherit DEFB1 deficiency from your parents, which puts you at a much higher risk for gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also inherit weaker enamel from your parents\u2014and since your enamel compromises your tooth structure, weakened enamel can lead to tooth decay and cavities that increases your risk of gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Signs of Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The signs of gum disease aren\u2019t always obvious, but here are a few things you should keep an eye out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n