Although brushing and flossing can help prevent many common dental concerns, such as cavities and gum disease, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop them. For instance, did you know that these issues can be passed down from parents to their children through their genetic makeup?
However, just because your family may be prone to specific oral problems doesn’t mean you will inevitably develop them. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential hereditary dental issues and how you can help safeguard your smile!
Concern #1: Cavities
Tooth decay occurs when unhealthy bacteria in your mouth proliferate and produce acids that erode your enamel. If left untreated, they can eventually penetrate and infect the tender pulp inside, which usually requires more complex and costly treatments to repair.
In most cases, cavities occur when you consume too many sugary or acidic foods or neglect your twice-daily dental hygiene routine. But your DNA might also play a role in your susceptibility to caries.
For example, did you know that genetics can affect the quantity and quality of saliva production? Spit is your mouth’s natural defense to rinse away leftover food and unwanted germs to protect your enamel. If your parents tend towards dry mouth, you might also be more likely to develop cavities due to a lack of moisture. Keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day can help you stay hydrated and prevent potential dental problems.
Concern #2: Gum Disease
Would you be surprised to learn that genetics can account for up to 30% of your risk for gum disease? Different factors, such as your body’s immune response and therefore its ability to fight infections, are inherited through the gene pool. Unfortunately, that means some people are born more likely to develop this common dental concern than others.
Not only that, but the bacteria that cause periodontal problems can also be shared from parents to children once they’re born, like if they share eating utensils. Flossing morning and night after brushing your teeth removes plaque and tartar buildup to decrease the risk, along with visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
Concern #3: Dental Misalignments
Genes also control how teeth develop, and that often includes their positions in the jawbone. Different factors that are influenced by biology, such as how many teeth you have, how big they are, the size and strength of your jawbone, and how the teeth come together when you close your mouth, can all impact your dental or bite alignment.
As a result, you’re likely to have similar oral spacing issues as other members of your family. If your parents and siblings all required braces to straighten their smiles, you’re also more likely to require them at some point in life.
Thankfully, many dentists offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet your unique needs and improve your dental health, regardless of your family’s predisposition to specific concerns!
Meet the Author
Dr. Steven Kendrick is passionate about helping families in Midwest City improve their daily lives by enhancing their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, then completed additional training at the Misch International Implant Institute. Today, he combines a caring and compassionate approach with advanced technology to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (405) 732-0431.