{"id":130,"date":"2020-02-26T20:35:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T20:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andersondentalgahanna.com\/blog\/?p=130"},"modified":"2021-12-07T17:14:53","modified_gmt":"2021-12-07T17:14:53","slug":"can-a-genetic-test-really-predict-your-dental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.claybrookedental.com\/blog\/can-a-genetic-test-really-predict-your-dental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Genetic Test Really Predict Your Dental Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You may know already know the importance of dental hygiene\nfor a healthy smile, but did you know that the condition of your mouth can have\nan affect on the rest of your body? More specifically, gum disease can increase\nyour risk of heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure,\nand more. That\u2019s why people are turning to DNA tests to see if they\u2019re more\nsusceptible to oral health issues like gum disease in Gahanna. But can you\nreally predict your dental health based on genetic testing? Keep reading to learn\nthe answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Genetic Testing and Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are commercially available genetic tests that check\nfor disease. Typically, you will swab your cheek and send in a saliva sample\nfor testing. However, with oral health problems like gum\ndisease<\/a> or tooth decay, just because you don\u2019t have a genetic\nsusceptibility, doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019re not at risk. In fact, gum disease\ncurrently affects about half of the American population, making it an\nincredibly common problem. In reality, the testing technology could eventually\nbe more useful, but today, seeing your dentist in Gahanna for regular checkups\nis still the best way to monitor gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lifestyle Factors that Impact Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it is possible to be genetically predisposed to gum\ndisease, it\u2019s more likely that certain lifestyle factors have a greater affect\non your oral health. Primarily, poor dental hygiene like not regularly brushing\nand flossing will allow plaque and bacteria to build up along the gumline,\ncausing inflammation and infection. Additionally, smoking, the use of tobacco,\nand heavy consumption of alcohol can increase your risk of gum disease and\nother oral health issues because they limit saliva flow and make it harder for\ntissue to heal. It\u2019s also important to remember that the food and drinks you\nconsume have an affect on your gums and teeth. All of these factors have the\npossibility of impacting your likelihood of gum disease in addition to genetic\nhistory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Stay Healthy on Your Own<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, gum disease and other oral health problems like\ntooth decay can be prevented by following the right steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n