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Study Finds Substantial Genetic Basis for Risk of Periodontal Disease

Half of the variance in periodontal disease in the population can be attributed to genetic differences.

CHICAGO – November 30, 2000 – Research provides further evidence that a person's genes play a major role in the onset and severity of periodontal disease. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology concluded that approximately half of the variance in periodontal disease in the population can be attributed to genetic differences. Study Abstract *

The study examined periodontal health in 64 pairs of identical and 53 pairs of fraternal twins. The study found that between 48 and 59 percent of the differences in measures of periodontal disease, such as attachment loss and probing depth, could be attributed to genetics. When correlating eight different clinical measures for periodontal disease among the two types of twins, all eight measures were statistically significant in the identical twins, while only two measures were significantly greater than zero in the fraternal twins.

"Periodontal disease is multifactorial, meaning that susceptibility involves genetic and environmental factors," explained John C. Gunsolley, D.D.S., M.S., one of the authors of the study. "The basic question of what portion of periodontal disease risk among individuals is genetic versus environmental is important because it may lead to a better understanding of disease susceptibility. Identification of people at high risk for periodontal disease before they even display symptoms may provide new avenues for treatment."

Gunsolley cautions that there are likely a number of genes that play a role in susceptibility, and these may differ in different races and ethnic groups. "I hope future studies will determine the genetic determinates underlying the risk for periodontal disease," he said.

Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), agrees. "I'm pleased that the role of genetics in oral health continues to be studied. I'm convinced that genetic research, such as the Human Genome Project, is going to revolutionize the way we treat diseases in general, including periodontal disease."

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study Evidence of a Substantial Genetic Basis for Risk of Adult Periodontitis. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is is an 8,000-member professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

Study Finds Substantial Genetic Basis for Risk of Periodontal Disease

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