Straches May Affect Your Dental Health Depending On Your Genetics

Cornell University researchers conducted a deep study on how specific traits of the human genome affect oral health. Scientists focused on a particular gene called AMY1 – its expression leads to the production of salivary amylase enzyme responsible for starch digestion.

Research revealed that the number of gene copies in an individual's DNA may affect oral microbiome composition, leading to cavities and gum inflammation.

How does it work?

Scientists obtained 31 saliva samples from donors with a different range of AMY1 copy numbers (CN) – from 2 to 20 – to cultivate biofilms and analyze their bacterial content. As it turned out, the number of gene copies directly interacts with carbohydrate (in that case – starch) content in the mouth cavity, significantly affecting the environment's biodiversity.

The analysis demonstrated particular microbial differences in people with higher AMY1 CN:

• Increased presence of bacteria species called Porphyromonas gingivalis that is associated with periodontal disease.
• Veillonella and Atopobium species abundance is decreased in starch-supplemented environments. These bacteria may lead to the tooth cavity, so that effect may be considered "useful."
• Still, at the same time, starch significantly increases the amount of Streptococcus species – the leading risk factor for tooth cavities.

It's important to note that in the case of higher AMY1 copy numbers, only rapidly digestible starches may affect oral microbiome diversity, causing dental problems. The primary food sources for these carbohydrates are potato products, white rice, breakfast cereals, etc.

How can we use this discovery?

New data about the AMY1 gene may be used for specialized dental genetic tests that can detect individuals' health predispositions. These results can be a baseline for patients' dental habits; for instance, if you have a high amount of AMY1 CN, you should brush your teeth (use mouthwash, etc.) after you eat some starchy food to lower the risk of tooth cavity or periodontitis development.