Can Genetics Effect Your Teeth Health?
The concept of bad teeth is thrown around a lot, but what actually defines the term ‘bad’? In the dental industry, there are common definitions, such as uneven alignment causing a crooked smile and the most common problem of all, tooth decay. This is nothing we don’t already know so what are the actual reasons behind acquiring these conditions? Is there a link between bad teeth and genetics? Now that’s what we want to know!
Some say it’s down to genetics whereas others disagree and say it’s down to poor oral health, making this subject quite a controversial one. So the team at our private dentists in Banbury has made it their mission to reveal the genuine answers regarding where bad oral health originates.
Do Bad Teeth And Genetics Go Hand In Hand?
This is a question, as dentists, we hear all the time and the answer is both yes and no. To put it simply, shape and spacing wise, yes. Health wise, no. There’s no denying that the shape and structure of your teeth are hereditary and could include problems such as an overbite and the lucky gap between your two front teeth. On the other hand, tooth decay is due to the implications of sugar and a lack of TLC. This is actually much easier to fix compared to the elaborate pattern of your DNA.
Which Specific Traits Can Be Inherited?
Genetics can play a role in several areas of dental health, including:
- Tooth shape, size and alignment – if your parents had crowded, gapped or misaligned teeth, you’re more likely to inherit a similar structure.
- Enamel strength – some people are born with naturally softer enamel, making them more prone to cavities regardless of how well they look after their teeth.
- Jaw shape and size – a jaw that’s too small or too large for the number of teeth it needs to hold is often inherited, and is a common cause of crowding or bite issues.
- Susceptibility to gum disease – genetics can affect how your immune system responds to the bacteria that cause gum disease, meaning some people are more at risk than others even with good hygiene.
- Missing or extra teeth – conditions where someone is born with fewer teeth than usual (hypodontia) or extra teeth (hyperdontia) are largely genetic.
The good news is that even where genetics loads the dice, it rarely decides the outcome on its own. Diet, hygiene and regular dental care still make the biggest difference to whether inherited risk factors actually become problems.
Your Teeth’s Health Is In Your Hands
To ensure your teeth’s health is of the highest standard, both before and after the dentist, you and only you can to do something about it. Brush, floss, use mouthwash and most importantly, exterminate those bad habits. We have listed a few of the most common habits we acquire so that you know what to avoid when taking care of your teeth.
Top 5 Bad Oral Health Habits
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- Brushing once a day, rather than the recommended twice a day
- Drinking a lot of fizzy or acidic drinks, rather than water
- Neglecting pain, even if your body is telling you not to
- Not taking the time to floss, rather than flossing twice a day
- Smoking cigarettes, rather than thinking about quitting for good
Does this sound familiar? Just one of these bad habits can alter your teeth dramatically. Not only will avoiding these issues improve your oral health but it may improve your overall health as well.
Inherited A Trait You’re Not Happy With? You Still Have Options
If genetics has left you with crowding, gaps, or a shape you’re not keen on, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Treatments like Invisalign and composite bonding can correct many of these inherited traits without invasive surgery – you can see real examples of both in our case studies.
Come & Visit Us
Whatever your teeth have inherited from your family tree, our Banbury dental team is here to help you make the most of your smile.
If you’re wondering how to give your own children the best start with their teeth, read our blog, Teach Your Child Correct Oral Hygiene With These Easy Steps, for more information. To take control of your dental hygiene feel free to contact us for expert advice or to arrange a visit.