Is periodontitis genetic? The answer may be Yes!

Specific bacteria cause periodontitis by activating immuno-inflammatory responses in the tissues. There are certain risk factors that significantly affect the disease process by altering the immuno-inflammatory response and increasing the likelihood of severe periodontitis. These risk factors are smoking, diabetes, IL-1 genotype, and perhaps others. Today about 20 percent of the population smokes at a level that should make a difference relative to periodontitis. About 30 to 33 percent of the Caucasian population is IL-1 genotype positive. There are compelling reasons to look at these risk factors in your practice to help formulate a complete treatment plan for your patients.