Writing Assignment #4

           Periodontitis, commonly known as Gum Disease, is an infection of a person’s gums which could damage surrounding tissue and teeth. Varying factors such as, stress, smoking, and diabetes may be the cause of gum disease in some individuals. Poor oral hygiene may also be a cause for periodontitis. These factors are straightforward and changing current lifestyle habits may prevent gum disease in the future. As of recent, the idea that genetic variations in individual DNA being a cause of gum disease has been brought forward as another possibility for this damaging infection. In a study of 14,000 Japanese adults, saliva was analyzed for genetic variation in DNA and its possible cause in those affected by periodontitis. When analyzing the differences in those with gum disease and those who had good oral health, researchers found different forms of bacteria in those who have periodontitis. They also found different families of bacteria in those same individuals as well. Following this research and after analyzing the data, results showed that genetic variation in DNA was not a factor in the cause of gum disease in individuals who were suffering from periodontitis. Based on the data, genetics does not play a role in the cause of gum disease; it is mainly affected by lifestyle habits, current health, and good oral hygiene. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good oral hygiene, this could prevent bacteria from growing and infecting the gums of people. This study, along with a few others, have been one step in analyzing the effect of genetics on gum disease. Overall, more research will need to be conducted to gain a better understanding.

           Based on one article citing numerous studies regarding genetic variation in DNA and its potential cause of gum disease, there have been no direct answers as to it being a direct factor. They have mentioned that genetic factors may play a role on a person’s health; and as a result, this may promote the growth of certain bacteria and pathogens. These may or may not be a cause of periodontitis. Even if they do promote bacteria, practicing good oral hygiene will remove this bacterium, and change the overall microbe environment within a person’s mouth. It is mentioned that lifestyle factors and dental factors can also be a cause of gum disease.  It is also mentioned that there are some genes that have been possibly linked to periodontitis, but there is not enough data to support this claim. There will need to be further research for this topic to confirm whether DNA variation would directly cause gum disease. I believe the article published on The Washington Post, accurately shows the current knowledge on genetics causing gum disease. They both describe how certain factors may affect bacterium growth, and this bacterium is more of a direct cause than variation in DNA.

           Genetics in general is the study of how genes and traits are passed down to the next generation and these articles are both connected to the study of genetics.  The first article explains the current state of knowledge regarding the cause of gum disease, and it has brought forward the idea that genetic variation in DNA may also be a cause of gum disease. DNA makes up chromosomes and this carries genetic information. When genetic information is copied and passed down to the next generation, there is a possibility for the offspring to inherit these genes with a difference in the DNA sequence. This difference in the DNA may be a cause for bacterium growth which promotes gum disease.   

Work(s) Cited:

Blakemore, E. Research examines whether genetic traits are the cause of periodontitis. The Washington Post (2021). Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/gum-disease-cause-periodontitis/2021/09/10/bcdedc28-10de-11ec-9cb6-bf9351a25799_story.html. (Accessed: 13th November 2021)

Loos, B. G. & Van Dyke, T. E. The role of inflammation and genetics in periodontal disease. Periodontology 2000 83, 26–39 (2020).