Bad brushing, not genes, blamed for gum disease

BUGS that cause tooth decay are picked up from what we consume rather than running in families as previously thought, a study found.

Investigators looked at the role genes and mouth bacteria play in the formation of cavities.

They found that gum disease is caused by not brushing your teeth regularly – and not your genes.

The human mouth harbours diverse microorganisms including viruses, fungi and bacteria.

In the first study of its kind, US researchers looked at the “microbiomes” in the mouths of hundreds of identical and non-identical twins. They discovered that identical twins had oral microbiomes which were more similar to each other than those of the non-identical siblings.

Dr Karen Nelson, of the J. Craig Venter Institute in Rockville, Maryland, said the research showed that the condition of your teeth depends on your dietary and oral hygiene habits.

Writing in journal Cell Host & Microbe, she said: “Limiting sugar consumption and acid build-up in the mouth have been part of the dogma of the dental community for some time.

“This work introduces specific taxa of bacteria that can be acquired through the environment and that have the ability to induce cavities.”

Overgrowth of bacteria in the spaces between teeth and gums leads to inflammation that can spread to the jawbone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place, possibly leading to tooth loss.

Recent studies have suggested a link between the chronic inflammation of periodontal disease and heart disease, Alzheimer’s and arthritis, as well as infertility.

The British Dental Foundation says eight in 10 British people have gum disease. Symptoms include bleeding or receding gums, loose teeth and bad breath or halitosis.