Two recent papers y researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and their collaborators suggest that specific genetic variations may be linked to higher rates of tooth decay (cavities) and aggressive periodontitis, which is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.
Dental cavities have been found to be influenced by individual variations in a gene called beta defensin 1(DEFB1), which plays a key role in the first-line immune response against invading germs.
For one of the studies, the researchers analyzed nearly 300 anonymous dental records and accompanying saliva samples from the their dental registry, assigning each case a DMFT score based on the presence of decayed teeth, missing teeth due to caries, and tooth fillings. In addition each case also received a DMFS score, based on decayed teeth, missing teeth, and filled surface of a tooth.
Saliva samples contained one of three variants, dubbed G-20A, G-52A and C-44G, of the DEFB1 gene. Individuals who carried a G-20A copy had DMFT and DMFS scores that were five-times higher than for people who had other gene variants.
For the second study, saliva samples of 389 people in 55 families were examined to look for genetic links to aggressive periodontitis. They found hints of an association between the disease and the FAM5C gene. This particular gene has been previously found to play a role in inflammation in cardiovascular disease.
Sources:
A. Ozturk, P. Famili, A. R. Vieira. The Antimicrobial Peptide DEFB1 is Associated with Caries. Journal of Dental Research, 2010;
Flavia M. Carvalho, Eduardo M. B. Tinoco, Kathleen Deeley, Poliana M. Duarte, and et al. FAM5C Contributes to Aggressive Periodontitis. PLoS ONE, 2010; 5 (4):
This could explain why some families seem so susceptible to decay even though they seem to take good care of themselves.
Joe Bulger DDS