{"id":371,"date":"2026-01-07T07:59:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T07:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bricedental.com\/blog\/?p=371"},"modified":"2026-02-02T16:02:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:02:27","slug":"is-gum-disease-genetic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bricedental.com\/blog\/is-gum-disease-genetic\/","title":{"rendered":"A Family Matter: Is Gum Disease Genetic?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you hear \u201cgum disease,\u201d you likely picture an issue caused by bad oral care. Dentists (rightly) say that infected gums stem from a lack of proper brushing and flossing. Still, the condition<\/a> is more complex than you\u2019d think; gum disease is also genetic. Infections of the tissues around teeth can partly result from inherited biology, whether from your parents, grandparents, or so on. To learn more, read over the matter in this summary from your San Antonio dental practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Yes, Gum Disease is \u201cGenetic\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no question that lifestyle affects your risk for gum disease. However, whether you have specific genes can also make a gum infection more likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current research backs this somewhat surprising conclusion. In a study by the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s School of Dental Medicine, scholars found a link between a gene variant and one\u2019s risk of tooth decay. The latter issue often leads to gum disease, so the association amounts to an oral health risk factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, other findings also offer support. Several studies show that gum disease is more common among members of the same family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to Track Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Should you have a family history of gum disease, keep an eye out for its common signs. You\u2019ll want to get treatment as soon as possible once you detect the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since gum disease has two phases, it can show a wide range of signs. Those for gingivitis \u2013 the first stage \u2013 include swollen gums, gum tenderness, bleeding gums, and bad breath. On the other hand, signs of periodontitis are more severe: gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you show several of the signs above, see your dentist quickly. They\u2019ll help you manage (or even reverse) your infection before things get out of hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Reduce Your Risk for Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While some genes can increase your gum disease risk, specific actions can greatly reduce it as well. Examples of these are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n