Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Most probably. Although certain people follow take necessary steps to maintain dental health, they suffer from dental cavity or dental caries. There are a particular group of people in which caries are concentrated. This phenomenon is called polarization, and its etiology remains unknown. However, one of the causes of tooth decay or dental caries and gum disease is considered to be genetics.
How can the genetic structure affect dental caries?
Researchers have determined that gum diseases and dental cavity can be influenced by individual variations in the gene beta defensin1 (DEFB1) (the gene which helps fight germs).
According to the Vipeholm study, individuals have resistance to caries, even after being exposed to highly carcinogenic agents. This indicates that both the resistance as well as the susceptibility to dental caries could be because of one or more genotypic, phenotypic and environmental influences.
The scientific literature that links heredity to dental caries dates long back. For example, G.V. Black, in 1899, wrote that if a family lives in one locality under similar conditions, the susceptibility of caries is also similar in all of them.
Which genetic factors can cause dental caries?
The genetic factors that can cause dental caries include the ability to resist its attack and the quality of dental tissues. It also includes other aspects of the oral environment like the quality of the saliva, enamel pellicle and oral microbiome.
In conclusion, the genetic structure plays a role in the resistance and occurrence of dental caries. However, other factors like environmental factors play an essential role. Furthermore, we need more genetic studies in different populations so that dental caries can be diagnosed and treated from a more molecular or genetic basis.
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