Is Your Dental Health Determined by Genetics?

Genetics dictate the shape of our bodies, the diseases we develop, and even the foods we prefer. Many geneticists believe they also play a huge part in our dental health. Dentists regularly see cases of advanced tooth decay and gum inflammation despite the patient’s good oral hygiene habits. For many who are predisposed to developing tooth and gum disease, getting quality dental care from affordable dentists can change the future, even when problems are genetically hardwired.

Dental Factors You Can Control

To keep a healthy smile, control the things you can. Brush twice daily with an ADA-approved toothpaste. Floss every day. Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid consuming an excess of carbonated drinks and sugary foods. When you do eat sweets, brush and gargle to remove bacteria before it can harm your teeth. If you smoke, discuss cessation options with your doctor. Even though heredity may play a part in your oral health, you can beat the odds by practicing healthy habits and seeing your dentist regularly.

Dental Problems Linked to Genetic Factors

Common structural dental problems related to genetic factors include malformed or missing teeth, tooth misalignment, and unusual shape and configuration of tooth roots. Genes also influence the development or absence of third molars, and they’re to blame in many cases of oligodontia, a condition where more than six teeth are missing at birth. Tooth crowding and misalignment are usually related to jaw formation. The combination of genes with other factors like exposure to radiation, chemotherapy treatments, and drug use may result in mutations.

Dental Problems You Can’t Blame on Your Genes

Some problems are more strongly influenced by environmental and behavioral factors. Discoloration or staining of teeth is related to smoking, prescription and recreational drug use, fluoride exposure, dental care habits and even some procedures like root canals and fillings. When teeth have more ridges or grooves, they may be more vulnerable to tooth decay, but the heart of the problem is still inadequate oral hygiene. Fortunately, affordable dentists can offer ways to correct these issues, whether or not they are due to genetics.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Indiana, call Wadas Dental today or make an appointment.