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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Gum disease has long been in a cause-and-effect relationship with diseases like hypertension and diabetes. In a recent study, however, it’s been found that genes responsible for immune and nervous system development play a role in the development of chronic periodontitis. The findings of the study, performed at the University Of North Carolina School Of Dentistry, were published in the March issue of the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
The study employed a genome-wide association analysis approach, a methodology that allowed the simultaneous investigation of millions of genetic markers across the human genome among a large sample of approximately 5,000 individuals. The investigation highlighted several novel regions of the human genome, genes and pathways that may be associated with an increased risk for the development of periodontitis. The study examined interactions between genetic and environmental effects and identified genome-wide significant effects between genetic factors and smoking.
Variants of those genes could potentially increase or decrease a person’s risk of developing periodontitis, depending on how these genes interact with one another and their environment.
Based on their findings, the UNC team proposed that genes in the immune system and the nervous system play off of one another to predispose people to periodontitis. In addition, smoking interacts with these genes to increase that risk.
One hypothesis is that when bacteria that live on and beneath our gums become harmful, the nervous system sends signals to prompt an immune response to scale back the infection. That response leads to inflammation and possible destruction of the tooth-supporting gums and tissues. These findings can possibly help to prevent the disease.
Despite these recent findings, patients should remember that gum disease is very preventable. Brushing and flossing twice a day along with regular visits to the dentist will keep your teeth and gums healthy. For more information about gum disease and prevention and treatment options, contact Gallardo & Lamas Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today 305-447-1447.
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