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IL1B and Gum Disease: What Your Genotype Means for Oral Health

Gum disease starts as inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth and can progress to bone loss and tooth loss if not addressed. The IL1B gene controls production of interleukin 1 beta, or IL-1β, a protein that helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response. Variations in IL1B can change how strongly your gums respond when bacteria and plaque are present. This article explains how different genotypes at rs1143634 relate to gum disease risk and offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to protect your oral health.

How IL-1β Affects Gum Health

IL-1β is a signaling protein that helps the immune system respond to infection. When bacteria build up on teeth and gums, IL-1β helps recruit immune cells and drives inflammation to fight infection. Too much IL-1β can lead to excessive inflammation, which damages gum tissue and the bone that supports teeth. Variants in IL1B can raise or normalize IL-1β levels and therefore influence how aggressively your gums react to plaque and bacteria.

Everyday Steps That Help Everyone

  • Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
  • Floss once daily and consider interdental brushes or water flossers for tight spaces.
  • See your dentist regularly for cleanings and periodontal exams. Follow any personalized care plan.
  • Avoid tobacco in all forms. Smoking increases gum disease risk and reduces healing.
  • Limit sugary foods and frequent snacking to reduce plaque formation.
  • Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes. High blood sugar worsens gum disease risk.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Inflammation

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory diet focused on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, and seeds.
  • Increase omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, chia seeds, and walnuts.
  • Maintain healthy vitamin levels. Eat foods high in vitamin C and vitamin D, or work with your provider to test and supplement when needed.
  • Stay physically active and get regular sleep. Both support balanced immune function.
  • Keep alcohol intake moderate, as heavy use can impair oral and overall health.

Supplements and Supportive Therapies

Supplements can be helpful in some cases but should be used under the guidance of your healthcare provider or dentist. Consider discussing these options if you have concerns about gum inflammation:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to help modulate inflammation.
  • Probiotics formulated for oral health to support a balanced oral microbiome.
  • Coenzyme Q10 to support tissue health and healing.
  • Vitamin D and vitamin C if blood testing shows low levels.
  • Topical antiseptic rinses or prescription mouthwashes for active gum disease, as directed by your dentist.

When to Talk to Your Dentist or Doctor

  • If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums that do not improve with good daily care.
  • If you experience persistent bad breath or loose teeth.
  • Before starting new supplements, especially if you are taking medications or have chronic conditions.
  • To request periodontal screening, bone level assessment, or targeted treatments if your dentist suspects advanced disease.
Two effect alleles (AA) — Higher genetic risk

If your genotype is AA at rs1143634, you carry two copies of the variant associated with increased IL-1β production and a higher inflammatory response in the gums. This pattern is linked with a greater risk of more severe or faster progressing periodontitis when plaque and bacteria are present. It does not guarantee you will develop advanced gum disease, but it does mean proactive, preventive care is particularly important.

Action steps if you are AA

  • Schedule dental checkups and professional cleanings at least every 3 to 6 months, or as recommended by your dentist.
  • Consider a periodontal exam with probing depths and bone assessment to detect early signs of disease.
  • Increase focus on removing plaque daily: brush, floss, and use adjuncts like interdental brushes or water flossers.
  • Discuss targeted therapies with your dentist, such as antimicrobial rinses, localized antibiotic delivery, or more frequent scaling and root planing if early signs of periodontitis appear.
  • Work with your provider on anti-inflammatory diet choices and consider omega-3 supplementation if appropriate.
  • Test vitamin D status and treat deficiency to support immune and bone health.
One effect allele (AG) — Moderately increased risk

If your genotype is AG, you carry one copy of the effect allele and may have a moderately increased tendency toward higher IL-1β levels and inflammation in response to oral bacteria. This suggests an elevated risk for more pronounced gum inflammation and potential tissue or bone damage compared to people without the variant.

Action steps if you are AG

  • Maintain excellent daily oral hygiene and see your dentist at least every 6 months for routine care.
  • Ask for periodontal evaluation if you have bleeding gums, pockets, or persistent inflammation.
  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet and consider increasing omega-3 intake through diet or supplements under provider guidance.
  • Avoid smoking and manage systemic health factors such as diabetes and stress that can worsen gum inflammation.
  • Discuss probiotic or CoQ10 use with your healthcare team if you have ongoing gum inflammation.
Zero effect alleles (GG) — Typical risk

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele and are not genetically predisposed to elevated IL-1β production related to gum disease. Your inflammatory response in the gums is likely typical for most people. This does not eliminate the risk of gum disease because lifestyle, oral hygiene, and other health conditions still play major roles.

Action steps if you are GG

  • Continue consistent, thorough oral hygiene practices: brush twice daily and floss once daily.
  • Keep routine dental visits for cleanings and checkups, typically every 6 months unless your dentist recommends otherwise.
  • Follow a nutritious anti-inflammatory diet and avoid tobacco to sustain healthy gums.
  • Test and address vitamin deficiencies if recommended by your provider to support gum and bone health.

Key Takeaways

  • IL1B influences the level of IL-1β, a driver of inflammation in the gums.
  • AA indicates higher genetic risk, AG indicates moderately increased risk, and GG indicates typical risk for IL1B-related inflammatory response.
  • Regardless of genotype, daily oral hygiene, regular dental care, avoiding tobacco, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle are central to preventing gum disease.
  • Supplements and targeted therapies can help but should be discussed with your dentist or healthcare provider.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This information is not medical advice. Always consult with your dentist or healthcare provider for diagnosis, personalized recommendations, and before starting or stopping any treatment, supplement, or medication.