How Big A Role Does Epigenetics Play In Our Dental Health?
Posted on 2/21/2022 by Brandon Cooley
Some people are just more prone to plaque than others. A variety of factors can cause it, but one of the most interesting is something called epigenetics. What exactly does this mean? Let's break it down!
Plaque builds up on your teeth for many reasons, but one reason that you probably haven't heard about is what happens in your body before you're even born. By learning about epigenetics and how it affects plaque build-up, we can better understand why some people get more plaque than others!
What is epigenetics, and how does it affect our health?
Epigenetics is essentially the study of changes in gene expression caused by things like diet, lifestyle, and environment. These changes can occur even before you're born! This means that what happens to your mother during pregnancy (like her food choices) could affect how genes are expressed or silenced later on in life for both mom and baby.
This has enormous implications because it shows us why some people get more plaque than others - different epigenetic factors cause various microorganisms to be present inside our mouths, leading to plaque build-up if not adequately taken care of with brushing/flossing, etc.
The role of genetics in disease development
This means that a person with a particular genetic makeup could have different expressions of genes than someone else who also has the same genetics. This leads to some people being more prone to plaque build-up and developing gingivitis/periodontal disease if they don't practice good oral hygiene.
We can't change our genetics, but we can take steps to reduce plaque build-up. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes each time is essential! Flossing once daily and using an antimicrobial mouth rinse will also help you avoid getting more plaques than necessary.
If you're already experiencing some form of gum disease or periodontal disease, contact us today to schedule an appointment! We'll be happy to get that smile looking its best again.
Some people are just more prone to plaque than others. A variety of factors can cause it, but one of the most interesting is something called epigenetics. What exactly does this mean? Let's break it down!