How many of you have pondered how much of your dental health is determined by your genes? Our parents and grandparents passed on features like height, eye color, hair, and freckles to us. But, those aren’t the only things they leave us.
We can also pass on an elevated risk of diseases and health problems to our children. Does genetics have a role in the risk and development of dental health problems? The answer is yes, as we’ll see today.
But don’t blame your tooth problems on your parents just yet. The underlying question here is how important heredity is to our oral health.
Behavior and genetics
Even your behaviors are influenced by your DNA. Studies have shown that hereditary variables have an impact on the foods you eat. It also affects how your body processes them. You’ll be more prone to developing dental problems if you eat more unhealthy foods for your teeth.
While you can’t change your genes, you can become more aware of your inherited flaws by studying your family history. Dentists want to know if you have a family history of dental problems. so that they can offer the most effective and cost-effective preventive measures.
Fascinating facts about heredity and oral health
Teeth issues that run in families
So, what kind of oral health heirlooms can you pass down from your forefathers and mothers? They can pass down everything from the form of your jaw to the protein level of your saliva, as it turns out.
Periodontal disease
Like cavities, they have yet to be assigned a direct hereditary role. Yet, it has been proven that up to 38 genes are linked to this dangerous dental disorder. Furthermore, according to the ADA, heredity might have an impact on the structural integrity of your teeth.
Lifestyle variables such as cigarette use and diabetes are closely linked to general health. This will significantly raise your risk of periodontal disease.
Oral cancer
This is the most serious inherited dental disorder and is only influenced by genetic factors. People who have particular genetic markers are more likely to get the condition. But, more frequently than not, lifestyle issues such as cigarette use and alcohol consumption play a major role. You can avoid oral cancer and periodontal disease by not smoking, drinking less alcohol, and eating a healthy diet.
Cavities
These are by far the biggest elephant in the room when it comes to genetics and dental health. Is it true that certain people are more prone to cavities than others? If that’s the case, what hereditary elements play a role? Cavity development is influenced by your enamel and dentin structure. Not only that, but also to your immune system’s reaction, saliva content and quantity, and natural oral bacteria.
Yet, research findings on a direct genetic relationship that predisposes you to cavities have been mixed. The jury is still out on this one, but recent research suggests that genetics plays a minor role in cavity growth, ranging from 20% to 85%. The lesson of the narrative, in the absence of a precise answer, is that it is better to be safe than to have cavities.
Consistent dental care is one of the best ways to avoid cavities, whether they are caused by your genes or not.
Misaligned teeth and a crooked jaw
It’s mainly due to the shape of your jaw. This is an inherent trait if you have misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion. Malocclusion causes your bite to be uneven and your teeth to be overcrowded. This can result in several oral health problems.
The germs that live in the hard-to-reach places caused by overcrowded teeth can cause dental decay and cavities. So, you may not be able to chew well. Thus, if you’ve ever had misaligned teeth or needed braces to straighten them, you may thank your parents. But, don’t be too harsh with them. They got their teeth from their parents as well.
Immune system flaws
Your immune system plays an important part in protecting your teeth against intruders by fighting plaque and germs in your mouth. But, immunological weaknesses can be both inherited and acquired. This can compromise your body’s capacity to combat hazardous oral germs.
Tooth decay has an easier time setting up shop in your mouth when your immune system is impaired. So, if you’re aware that you have an immune deficit, consult your dentist and take steps to protect your oral health.
What effect does genetics have on your teeth?
Your dental health might be influenced by many genetic factors. They can determine the position of your teeth and whether you have cavities, regardless of your oral hygiene practices. How your saliva neutralizes the acids that cause plaque formation and decay is determined by its chemical composition. Acids can permeate grooves and crevices in your teeth.
This can cause them to stay for extended periods. Remember, this can be more difficult to remove through ordinary at-home dental care. Genetics plays a role in periodontitis. You’re more likely to get gum disease if you have a family history of it. If you have a weak immune system, your gums will take longer to get better from an infection.
Final Thoughts
Even if genetics may only have a minor impact on the development of dental health problems, always remember that your small contribution can make a big difference. The saddest aspect about genetic tooth problems is that they are inescapable for some of us. And, as entertaining as it may be, blaming your parents isn’t going to keep your smile healthy.
That is why it is critical to concentrate on what you can manage. Your dentist would inform you that proper dental hygiene is vital for both appearance and health. Brushing and flossing regularly will help reduce decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
But, it’s also important to keep in mind that genetic factors have a role in the health of your teeth and gums. They are beyond your control. Even people who find cheap dentists and get good dental care all their lives have to deal with their genetic makeup.