Nature vs nurture

though always based on science and experience, often require patients to introduce additional steps into their oral health routine or restrict unhealthy habits.

The result is lower compliance than we would like. But how much difference do our patients’ actions really have on their oral health? What is genetic and what is behavioural?

In the genes

Geneticists have been studying the genome for the past century, attempting to unlock the secrets contained within each individual’s DNA. Consequently, we know that genes play an important role in a person’s predisposition to certain health concerns. Conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and psychiatric illnesses are all more likely where a family history of the disease is identified. This is especially relevant given that family members will typically have been exposed to similar geonomics and environmental factors, providing insight into aetiologic heterogeneity of certain diseases as well.