Some things pass down from generation to generation. Poor joint health, poor vision, and an increased risk of heart problems are all forms of genetic predispositions. Is the same true for oral health? If your parents suffered from gum disease, are you already on a collision course for gum disease? According to a new study published in Genome Research, genetic predisposition may not play such a large role in oral health. The dentists of Riverside Dental Group discuss the recent study and findings regarding nature versus nurture in terms of oral health.
The Study Conducted
In order to determine a link between genetics and the microbial make up of an individual’s mouth, scientists studied two groups of twins. The scientists studied microbial DNA found in the saliva of all the twins studied. Two types of twins were studied. Half of the twins were identical, while the other twins were only fraternal. By studying the microbial DNA of all the twins, they sought to find concrete evidence of genetic predisposition, or evidence of environment playing a more substantial role.
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