Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diet are well-known risk factors, many people wonder: Is gum disease genetic? The short answer is yes, genetics can play a role in your risk of developing gum disease. But that’s only part of the story.

What is Gum Disease?

Before diving into genetics, it’s important to understand what gum disease is. It typically begins with gingivitis, where the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of the disease that can cause tooth loss and damage to the bone.

The condition is caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, forming pockets under the gumline which can only be removed by a dental professional.

The Role of Genetics in Gum Disease

Research has shown that genetics can influence your immune system’s response to bacteria, and some people may be more susceptible to gum disease due to inherited traits. Studies estimate that up to 30 percent of the population may have a genetic predisposition to developing gum disease, even with good oral hygiene habits.

If your parents or close family members have struggled with periodontal issues, you may be at a higher risk. Some of the inherited factors include:

• An exaggerated inflammatory response to plaque bacteria.
• Slower healing processes in the gum tissues.
• Bone density differences that affect how the jaw supports teeth.

However, genetics are not destiny. Even if you’re genetically predisposed, gum disease can often be prevented or managed with the right care.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Matter More

While genetics do play a role, lifestyle choices and oral hygiene are the biggest predictors of gum health. Smoking, poor diet, inadequate dental care, and underlying health conditions like diabetes can significantly increase your risk.

The good news? These are things you can control. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco are crucial habits for maintaining healthy gums, regardless of your genetic background.

How to Know If You’re at Risk

If gum disease runs in your family, it’s smart to be proactive. Let your dentist know about your family history during routine visits. They may recommend more frequent cleanings or specialized treatments to help prevent disease before it starts.

Early symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums.
• Bad breath.
• Gum recession.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Loose teeth.

Don’t ignore these signs – early intervention is key.

While genetics can influence your likelihood of developing gum disease, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Practicing excellent oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and making healthy lifestyle choices are the most effective ways to protect your gums. Knowing your family history helps you stay one step ahead and empowers you to take charge of your oral health.

About the Practice

Are you suffering from some form of gum disease? At Lakewood Complete Dentistry, we have targeted treatment to improve gum health. We can offer you dental treatment that helps prevent the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Our periodontist provides specialized treatments in-house, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the very best care to protect your smile and overall oral health. Schedule your appointment online or call (303) 238-2800.

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those looking to achieve a straighter, brighter, and more uniform smile. However, if you’re considering veneers, it’s important to understand the preparation process—including the fact that a small amount of your tooth enamel will need to be removed.

Let’s take a closer look at why this is necessary and how much enamel is typically taken off.

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Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, enhance your lips, or add youthful volume to your cheeks, dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical way to refresh your appearance. But to get the best results—and avoid unwanted side effects—it’s important to prepare your skin and body ahead of time.

Here are some simple dos and don’ts to follow before your filler appointment.

Do: Avoid Blood Thinners Before Your Appointment

About a week before your dermal filler session, stop taking over-the-counter blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve), unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These medications can increase your risk of bruising and swelling after treatment. You should also avoid supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and garlic pills, which can have similar effects.

Don’t: Drink Alcohol 24–48 Hours Before

Skip the wine, cocktails, or beer at least 24 to 48 hours before your treatment. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and make you more prone to bruising, swelling, and discomfort post-injection. Staying hydrated with water instead will help your skin look and feel its best.

Do: Schedule Smart

Plan your filler appointment at least a week ahead of any major event, photoshoot, or vacation. While downtime is minimal, mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness is possible after treatment. Giving yourself a few days to heal ensures your results look natural and flawless when it matters most.

Don’t: Get Fillers if You’re Sick

Even if it’s just a minor cold or a case of seasonal allergies, it’s best to wait until you’re fully recovered before getting dermal fillers. Illness can impact your body’s healing response and increase your risk of complications. If you’re feeling under the weather, reschedule your appointment.

Do: Communicate With Your Provider

Be sure to tell your provider about any medications you’re taking, allergies, past cosmetic treatments, or medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders or cold sore outbreaks. This information helps them choose the right product and tailor the treatment to your needs.

Don’t: Wear Makeup to Your Appointment

Come to your appointment with clean, makeup-free skin. This helps reduce the risk of infection and makes it easier for your provider to assess your natural facial structure and plan the injection sites. Washing your face a few hours prior to your appointment will ensure a clean canvas.

A Stress-Free Process

A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth, relaxing procedure. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental care team with any additional questions or concerns.

About the Practice

At Lakewood Complete Dentistry of Lakewood, CO, your comfort and confidence come first. Led by Dr. Vincenzo Artino, DDS, our practice offers high-quality, comprehensive dental care—including cosmetic services like dermal fillers—in a modern and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re here for routine care or aesthetic enhancement, the Lakewood team is committed to helping you look and feel your best with personalized, expert care.

Give us a call at (720) 605-5898 or book your consultation online.

Cosmetic dentistry has allowed countless patients to enhance their smiles by concealing defects like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness with beautifully lifelike restorations. There are a wide variety of aesthetic dental treatments available, and veneers and cosmetic dental bonding are among the most popular. Here’s a brief overview of how these procedures work as well as a few of their pros and cons.

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While the teeth are usually the most noticeable part of the smile, the gums serve the crucial role of providing them with the circulation, nutrition, and structural support they need to stay healthy and beautiful. Unfortunately, the gums can be compromised by factors like injury and infection, which can lead to serious long-term consequences like tooth loss and possibly dangerous secondary infections like pneumonia and sepsis. Here’s a quick overview of why your gums may be sore and inflamed and what you can do about it.

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Since it first earned FDA approval for cosmetic applications 1989, BOTOX®, also known as botulinum toxin, has quickly become the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States. In fact, the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons estimates that 7.4 million injections were performed in 2022 alone. But what is it, and where did this injectable treatment come from? Here’s a brief history of BOTOX®, and how your dentist can use it to make you appear more youthful!

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If you’ve looked in the bathroom mirror recently and noticed that your face is beginning to show signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sunken cheeks, or sagging lips, you might be starting to worry that your days of looking youthful are behind you – but this isn’t true! With the help of dermal fillers, you can enjoy results that have you looking youthful and vibrant once more. Keep reading to learn a little more about dermal fillers and how they can be used to promote incredible, natural-looking results.

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You want to straighten out your crooked teeth, and you know you have two options for doing so: traditional braces or Invisalign. Many patients find Invisalign to be the more comfortable and convenient treatment, but how long will it take for you to complete it? Weeks? Months? Years?

Truthfully, the exact amount of time you could end up wearing Invisalign aligners varies. Don’t worry, though – this post will tell you what factors could affect your timetable!

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Invisalign attachments are designed to make your orthodontic treatment more efficient by helping to keep your aligners in place. Though they are painless to apply, these “bumps” can cause your teeth to be a bit more sensitive on days when you advance trays. A common question many patients have about them is if it hurts to remove them. Here’s what you can expect from these accessories, and why there’s no need to fear Invisalign attachments at any stage of treatment!

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If you look at the cosmetic dental treatments available today, you might notice that they are safe, administered in sanitary environments, and only minimally invasive if at all. However, people have tried a wide range of methods to pretty up their smiles over the centuries, and many of them would be downright gross or scary by modern standards. Here’s a brief overview of a few primitive teeth whitening treatments to help you appreciate just how amazingly safe and effective modern cosmetic dental procedures are.

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