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How IL1A and rs1800587 Affect Gum Health

Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues around your teeth. It begins with irritation from bacteria in dental plaque and can progress to serious damage of gums and bone if left untreated. The IL1A gene makes a signaling protein called interleukin-1 alpha, or IL-1α, which helps coordinate your immune response to bacteria. Variations in IL1A can change how much IL-1α your body releases during an infection. Some versions of the gene are linked with a stronger inflammatory response, which can increase the risk of gum tissue and bone breakdown over time.

What this means for you

  • An overactive inflammatory response helps fight infection but can also damage soft tissue and bone that support teeth.
  • Regardless of genotype, good oral hygiene and strategies that lower chronic inflammation reduce the risk of gum disease progression.
  • Diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplements may help support gum health, but any supplement use should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles — AA genotype (higher risk)

If you have the AA genotype at rs1800587, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variant is associated with an increased tendency to produce IL-1α when your gums encounter bacteria. The result can be an exaggerated inflammatory reaction that, over time, may contribute to greater gum tissue and bone breakdown compared with people who do not carry this variant.

Practical steps to manage this predisposition:

  • Follow excellent oral hygiene: brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss or use interdental cleaners daily, and consider antimicrobial mouth rinses as recommended by your dentist.
  • Attend regular professional cleanings and periodontal assessments. Early intervention can prevent progression.
  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish or algae-based supplements.
  • Manage stress through sleep, relaxation practices, and regular physical activity, since chronic stress can amplify inflammation.
  • Avoid tobacco in all forms and limit heavy alcohol use, both of which increase periodontal risk.
  • Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider. Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and CoQ10 are commonly considered for gum and immune support, but dosing and safety should be individualized.
  • Monitor blood markers or oral health status with your clinician if you have other inflammatory conditions or symptoms.
1 effect allele — AG genotype (likely increased risk)

If you have the AG genotype at rs1800587, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk for inflammatory gum disease. Your IL1A variant may cause elevated IL-1α production in response to bacterial plaque, which can make your inflammatory response more pronounced than average.

Recommendations to reduce risk and protect gum tissue:

  • Maintain strict oral hygiene: brushing twice daily, daily flossing or interdental cleaning, and routine dental checkups and cleanings.
  • Include anti-inflammatory foods such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish in your diet.
  • Consider lifestyle steps that lower inflammation: regular moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction techniques like mindfulness or breathing exercises.
  • Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke exposure to lower periodontal risk.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about whether Vitamin D, Vitamin C, or CoQ10 supplements make sense for you. These supplements may support immune and gum health in some people but should be used under clinical guidance.
0 effect alleles — GG genotype (typical response)

If you have the GG genotype at rs1800587, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele and are likely to mount a typical inflammatory response when your gums encounter bacteria. Your IL1A gene produces standard levels of IL-1α during bacterial challenges, so you do not carry the genetic variation associated with heightened inflammation that can accelerate periodontal disease.

Even with a typical genetic response you should still:

  • Keep up excellent oral hygiene: brush, floss, and get regular dental exams and cleanings.
  • Follow a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Avoid smoking and manage stress to reduce overall inflammation and promote healing.
  • Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider only if you have risk factors or specific nutritional needs.

Diet and Supplement Guidance

Diet plays a meaningful role in modulating inflammation. Favor whole foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that help resolve inflammatory processes. Examples include berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish such as salmon or sardines. Minimize highly processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats that elevate systemic inflammation.

Supplements sometimes recommended to support gum and immune health include:

  • Vitamin D — supports immune regulation and may help oral health when levels are low.
  • Vitamin C — important for collagen synthesis and gum tissue repair.
  • CoQ10 — may support cellular energy and reduce local inflammation in some people.

Do not start supplements without discussing with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, have chronic health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lifestyle Habits That Protect Your Gums

  • Daily oral care: brush twice a day with proper technique and clean between teeth daily.
  • Regular dental visits for exams and professional cleanings, frequency based on your dentist's advice.
  • Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products to reduce the risk and severity of gum disease.
  • Manage stress and get adequate sleep; both influence immune function and inflammation.
  • Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight to lower chronic inflammation.

When to Talk to a Professional

See your dentist if you notice bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or any rapid changes in your oral health. Share your genetic results with your dental and medical providers so they can integrate this information into a personalized prevention plan. They may recommend more frequent periodontal monitoring or targeted therapies based on your overall risk profile.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and describes genetic predispositions related to IL1A and oral inflammation. Always consult with your healthcare provider or dentist before making health, nutrition, or supplement changes. Your provider can help interpret these results in the context of your medical history, current medications, and overall health.