> Gum Disease

• Alternative Names
• Symptoms & Characteristics
• Treatment
• How Common Is It?
• Genetics & Inheritance
• Genetic Testing
• Support & More Information

Alternative Names

periodontal disease

Symptoms & Characteristics

Gum disease can range from simple gum inflammation (called gingivitis) to serious disease that causes major damage to the connective tissue, gums, and bone that support the teeth (called periodontitis). In severe cases, teeth are lost. Symptoms usually begin when people are in their 30's and 40's. Common symptoms may include:

• red, swollen or painful gums

• tender or bleeding gums

• receding gums

• loose, separating or sensitive teeth

• bad breath that won't go away

• changes in bite or jaw alignment

Treatment

Treatments for gum disease may include medicines, deep cleanings and surgery. Eating a balanced diet, not smoking, routine dental visits, as well as regular flossing/bushing may help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

How Common Is It?

About 80% of adults currently experience some form of gum disease.

Genetics & Inheritance

Gum disease is a multifactorial condition, which means that it involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.

• Many environmental and lifestyle factors have been proposed to contribute to gum disease including smoking, hormonal changes in women, stress, and some medications.

• Other conditions, such as diabetes and illness have also been linked to gum disease.

We know that some cases of gum disease run in families. There are probably a number of genes that cause susceptibility to gum disease.

• Some researchers have identified that a certain genetic variation may increase a person's susceptibility to severe gum disease and tooth loss.

• Other yet to be identified or adequately classified genes may also contribute to gum disease and tooth loss.

A genetic consultation with a trained genetic professional may be beneficial in discussing the benefits and limitations of genetic testing as well as recurrence risk.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing for susceptibility to gum disease is available online (over the internet).

A trained genetic professional can explain the risk for gum disease in your family, discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing for gum disease, coordinate testing and interpret results in the context of personal and family medical history.

• A board-certified genetic counselor is available by telephone.

• A medical geneticist can also be found at the American College of Medical Genetics website.

• A genetic counselor can also be found at the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.

Support & More Information

More information can be found at:

• MedlinePlus