Genetics of Periodontal Disease

Jennifer Seegers and Ricky TurnerStudents of Dental Hygiene at Lamar Institute of Technology

Lately science has been fascinated by genetics. Scientists are making many advances in genetics every day, from mapping the human genome to cloning animals.

Dental professionals must wonder how this knowledge of genetics will affect the dental community.

Periodontal disease is, at the most basic descriptions, is a bacterial infection of the periodontium.

Therefore, if there is a better understanding of the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, perhaps it can be treated in different ways.

During this presentation you will receive a brief description of these topics, and hopefully leave with a better understanding of the connection between periodontal disease and genetics.

Periodontal Genetics

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis" (which means "inflammation around the tooth.")

In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected.

The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.

Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.

If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.

The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed. There are two main types of bacteria that causes periodontal

disease; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis

Periodontal Disease

Tests to Identify Genome: MyperioID PST Micro-Ident

Doctors being able to prescribe the proper antibiotics.

Patients can receive a more detailed treatment care plan

Benefits that can be achieved:

We hope that you have enjoyed learning about how the genetics of bacteria and periodontal disease is connected. The science of genetics is an exciting and fast evolving field with many opportunities to improve the health of everyone.

If you have any questions about this presentation, or if you would like to have any more information that we can help you attain, please feel free to contact us with those questions.

Thank You

Bonnici, A.M. (2009, November 25). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://cosmicvisions.blogspot.com/2009/11/doublehelix-dna-years.html

Gandhi, M., & Kothiwale, S. (2012). Association of Periodontal Disease with Genetic Polymorphisms. Internation Journal of Genetic Engineering. 2 (3), pp. 19-27

Microident. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hain-lifescience.de/en/products/microbiology/dental-diagnostics/micro-ident-und-micro-identplus.html

Simon, H (2009). Periodontal disease – causes. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.umm.edu. [Last Accessed 2/20/2013].

Simon, H (2012). [ONLINE] Available at: E:\research topic\Periodontitis Medications Periodontitis Health Information – NY Times Health.htm. [Last Accessed 2/20/2013

(2010). Oral DNA Test. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.oraldna.com. [Last Accessed 2/20/2013]

(2011). Bacterial Genomes. [ONLINE] Available at: http://micro.cornell.edu/cals/micro/research/labs/angert-lab/bacterial-genomes2.cfm. [Last Accessed 2/20/2013}.

(2012). Micro-idnet. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.hain-lifescience.de. [Last Accessed 2/20/2013]

References