HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

How IL6 Genetics Affect Gum Health and Periodontitis Risk

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is an inflammatory condition where bacteria in dental plaque trigger inflammation that can progress to damage the bone and tissues supporting teeth and, in advanced cases, lead to tooth loss. The IL6 gene makes a protein called Interleukin-6 (IL-6) that helps coordinate the immune and inflammatory response. Higher IL-6 activity can amplify inflammation, stimulate osteoclasts (cells that break down bone), and speed connective tissue breakdown in the gums.

Variations in the IL6 gene can influence how much IL-6 your body produces in response to oral bacteria. Some variants are associated with a stronger inflammatory response and a higher likelihood of developing more severe gum disease. Genetics are one piece of risk; lifestyle and oral care habits play a major role in determining actual outcomes.

What This Means for You

  • Carrying IL6 variants associated with higher IL-6 production can increase susceptibility to inflammatory gum disease, but does not guarantee disease.
  • Excellent oral hygiene, regular dental care, and healthy lifestyle choices can substantially reduce your risk regardless of genotype.
  • Targeted diet, supplement, and lifestyle strategies that reduce inflammation can help protect gum tissue and support healthy aging.

Practical Recommendations to Support Gum Health

  • Oral hygiene: Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled brush, use fluoride toothpaste, floss or use interdental cleaners daily, and consider antiseptic mouthwash if recommended by your dental professional.
  • Dental care: Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Address bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth promptly.
  • Diet: Follow an anti-inflammatory pattern focused on whole foods — plenty of vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil and omega-3 rich fish. Limit refined sugars and processed foods that feed harmful oral bacteria.
  • Supplements: Discuss options with your healthcare provider. Commonly considered supplements for inflammation and bone support include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Only take supplements under medical supervision and after lab testing if appropriate.
  • Smoking: Avoid tobacco in all forms. Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for periodontitis and reduces treatment success.
  • Stress and sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep can impair immune function and increase inflammation. Prioritize sleep hygiene and stress-reduction practices such as mindfulness, exercise, or counseling.
  • Blood tests and monitoring: If you have a family history of severe periodontal disease or other inflammatory conditions, talk with your healthcare provider about testing for vitamin D status, inflammatory markers, or other relevant labs.

Genetic Interpretation

Below are concise interpretations for the IL6 rs1800795 genotypes. Expand each section to see how your genotype may affect gum disease risk and what proactive steps to take.

2 effect alleles (GG) — Higher risk of inflammatory gum disease

If your genotype is GG at rs1800795, you carry two copies of the effect allele that is associated with increased IL-6 production. This tends to produce a stronger inflammatory response when your gums are challenged by plaque bacteria.

Potential effects:

  • Higher likelihood of intense gum inflammation and bleeding.
  • Greater stimulation of osteoclasts, which can accelerate bone loss around teeth.
  • Increased risk of more severe periodontitis if oral hygiene and other risk factors are not controlled.

Practical steps:

  • Maintain rigorous daily oral hygiene: brush twice daily, floss daily, and use interdental brushes if spaces allow.
  • See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and early treatment of gum inflammation.
  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet high in vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, whole grains, and omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish and walnuts.
  • Discuss supplements with your provider: omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are commonly considered to support immune balance and bone health.
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
  • Manage stress and prioritize restorative sleep to reduce systemic inflammation.
  • Consider periodic monitoring of vitamin D and inflammatory markers if recommended by your clinician.

Remember, GG indicates increased susceptibility, not certainty of disease. Proactive care can significantly reduce your risk and protect your oral and overall health.

1 effect allele (CG) — Likely increased risk of inflammatory gum disease

If your genotype is CG at rs1800795, you carry one copy of the effect allele and may produce IL-6 at levels that modestly increase inflammatory responses in the gums.

Potential effects:

  • Greater chance of stronger inflammatory reactions to plaque bacteria than individuals without the effect allele.
  • Moderate increase in risk for more severe gum tissue breakdown if risk factors are present.

Practical steps:

  • Follow careful daily oral hygiene and attend regular dental visits for preventive care.
  • Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet and include foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamin K for tissue and bone support.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about lifestyle strategies, smoking cessation if relevant, and whether supplements like omega-3 or vitamin D might be appropriate.
  • Manage stress, sleep, and other systemic conditions such as diabetes that increase periodontal risk.

CG suggests a higher likelihood of heightened inflammation relative to CC. Early and consistent prevention is the most effective approach.

0 effect alleles (CC) — Typical inflammatory response

If your genotype is CC at rs1800795, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele and are likely to have a typical IL-6 mediated inflammatory response related to gum disease.

Potential effects:

  • No known increased genetic predisposition from this IL6 variant toward higher IL-6 production or heightened gum inflammation.
  • Gum disease can still occur due to plaque accumulation, smoking, poor diet, systemic conditions, or other gene variants.

Practical steps:

  • Maintain standard preventive oral care: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine dental cleanings.
  • Support gum health with an anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
  • Avoid tobacco and manage chronic health conditions that can influence gum disease risk.

CC indicates typical risk from this one gene, but overall risk depends on your full health picture and behaviors.

When to Talk with a Healthcare Provider

  • If you notice persistent gum bleeding, swelling, pain, receding gums, loose teeth, or chronic bad breath, see a dentist promptly.
  • Discuss genetic results with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a family history of early tooth loss or severe periodontitis.
  • Before starting any supplements, check with your provider to confirm appropriateness, dosing, and potential interactions with medications.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. This report is not a diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider or dentist to interpret genetic findings in the context of your medical history and to guide testing, treatment, and preventive care.