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Understanding Your IL8 Genotype and Gum Health

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an inflammatory condition that damages the tissues that support your teeth. It can begin with mild gum irritation and, if left untreated, progress to deeper tissue and bone loss that may lead to tooth loss. The IL8 gene plays an important role in this process by producing interleukin-8 (IL-8), a signaling protein that recruits immune cells to sites of infection in the gums. Variations in IL8 can change how strongly your body responds to oral bacteria and inflammation, which may influence your risk of developing gum disease.

This article explains what an IL8 variation at rs4073 means for your gum health, how lifestyle and diet can modify risk, and practical steps you can take. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational only. Always consult your healthcare provider or dentist before making changes to your health routine.

How IL8 Affects Gum Inflammation

IL-8 attracts neutrophils and other immune cells to fight bacteria. An exaggerated IL-8 response can increase inflammation in gum tissues, which over time contributes to tissue breakdown. Carrying certain variants at rs4073 is associated with a higher IL-8 response and an increased predisposition to inflammatory gum conditions. Genetics is one factor among many; environment and behavior strongly influence whether disease develops and how severe it becomes.

Practical Actions to Support Gum Health

  • Oral hygiene: Brush at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. Consider interdental brushes or water flossers if recommended by your dentist.
  • Regular dental care: Professional cleanings and periodontal evaluations catch early signs of gum disease and remove plaque and tartar that home care cannot.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking increases risk of periodontitis and impairs healing. Stopping tobacco use improves outcomes.
  • Diet: Emphasize whole foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Aim for fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Limit added sugars and refined carbohydrates that promote harmful oral bacteria.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s from fatty fish or supplements can support resolution of inflammation and may help gum health when used with standard care.
  • Stress management: High stress can affect immune function and healing. Techniques such as sleep optimization, mindfulness, and regular physical activity support overall immune resilience.
  • Oral microbiome care: Avoid excessive use of antiseptic mouthwashes if not indicated, and follow your dentist’s guidance about targeted treatments. Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome helps limit aggressive inflammatory responses.

Supplements and Nutrients to Consider

  • Vitamin C: Supports collagen formation and gum tissue repair.
  • Vitamin D: Important for immune regulation and bone health.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): Anti-inflammatory support; may be useful adjuncts when combined with dental care.
  • Probiotics for oral health: Certain strains may support a favorable oral microbiome; follow dental recommendations.
  • Coenzyme Q10: Sometimes suggested for gum health; evidence varies and clinical guidance is recommended.

Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, have chronic conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Genetic Interpretation: rs4073 (IL8)

2 effect alleles — AA genotype

If your rs4073 genotype is AA, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with an increased tendency toward higher IL-8 production or a more pronounced inflammatory response in the gums when bacterial challenge occurs. That heightened response can raise susceptibility to inflammatory gum disease and may contribute to more severe periodontitis in some people.

What you can do

  • Be proactive with oral hygiene: brush twice daily, floss daily, and follow your dentist’s recommendations for professional cleanings and periodontal monitoring.
  • Increase anti-inflammatory foods: prioritize fatty fish (salmon, sardines), walnuts, flaxseed, colorful vegetables, and berries.
  • Consider omega-3 supplementation after discussing with your healthcare provider; omega-3s can help modulate inflammation.
  • Optimize vitamin C and vitamin D status through diet and testing; correct deficiencies with guidance from your provider.
  • Avoid smoking and manage stress to reduce inflammation and support healing.
  • Ask your dentist about more frequent periodontal check-ups if you notice bleeding gums, receding gums, or increased tooth mobility.

Remember, AA indicates predisposition not certainty. Environmental factors and care routines strongly influence outcomes. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Consult your dentist or healthcare provider for personalized care.

1 effect allele — AT genotype

If your rs4073 genotype is AT, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased inflammatory response compared to the non-effect genotype, which can raise susceptibility to gum disease, though typically to a lesser degree than having two effect alleles.

What you can do

  • Maintain diligent oral hygiene: brush twice daily and floss daily. Use adjuncts such as interdental brushes if recommended.
  • Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings to remove plaque and early signs of disease.
  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and plentiful vegetables and fruits.
  • Address lifestyle factors: quit smoking, improve sleep, and implement stress reduction strategies.
  • Consider discussing omega-3 supplements and vitamin D testing with your healthcare provider.

AT indicates a predisposition that can be mitigated by strong preventive care and lifestyle choices. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Consult your dentist or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

0 effect alleles — TT genotype

If your rs4073 genotype is TT, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical IL-8 production and a standard inflammatory response to oral bacterial challenge, rather than an elevated response linked to higher IL-8 activity.

What you can do

  • Continue excellent oral hygiene: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
  • Keep regular dental visits for professional cleaning and monitoring.
  • Follow a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and avoid tobacco to support gum and overall health.
  • Maintain good sleep, physical activity, and stress management to support immune function and healing.

TT indicates a baseline genetic risk for IL-8–related inflammation, but gum disease can still occur from plaque buildup, smoking, chronic disease, or poor oral care. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Consult your dentist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Recommended Blood Tests and Dental Assessments

  • Periodontal exam with pocket depth and attachment loss measurement
  • Routine dental X-rays to assess bone levels if periodontal disease is suspected
  • Vitamin D level (25-hydroxyvitamin D) to identify deficiency that may affect immune regulation and bone health
  • Basic metabolic panel and inflammatory markers if your clinician suspects systemic contributors to inflammation

Final Notes

Your IL8 rs4073 genotype is one piece of the puzzle. Genetics can inform your approach to prevention, but behavior, dental care, and overall health habits play a larger role in whether gum disease develops and how severe it becomes. Use this information to guide conversations with your dentist and healthcare provider about personalized prevention and treatment strategies.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. The information here is educational only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or dentist before making decisions about your health, testing, or treatment.