Taste Genes Predict Tooth Decay

In an article published in the Journal of Dental Research titled "Taste Genes Associated with Dental Caries" researchers, hypothesized that genetic variation in taste pathway genes may be associated with dental caries risk and/or protection.

 Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or a cavity, is a disease where bacteria causes damage to the  hard tooth structure. These tissues progressively break down, producing dental cavities,. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection. Caries occurrence and progression is known to be influenced by a complex interplay of both environmental and genetic factors, with numerous contributing factors having been identified including bacterial flora, dietary habits, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, salivary flow, salivary composition, and tooth structure.

 So the risk developing  dental problems might be in  your genes. Even more reason to visit your 1300SMILES dentist for your 6 monthly check up and clean!

Read more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100922111430.htm