Your smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you—so if your pearly whites stubbornly refuse to remain bright and resplendent, you might be wondering if there’s something or someone else to blame. Unfortunately, there are actually a few certain oral health issues that you can inherit from your parents that can prevent your smile from looking its best. Here’s more from your dentist about some of these issues and what you can do to lessen their influence.
Common Genetic Oral Health Issues
Even though brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for regular preventive care are all paramount in the fight against oral health problems, they aren’t the only things that matter! Your genes also play a vital role in your oral health, determining things such as the size, shape, alignment, and color of your teeth. This can work to your benefit, as some people inherit teeth that are largely free of issues for most of their life. However, it can also be detrimental and cause you a number of issues, including:
- Tooth decay – Believe it or not, certain variations of genes are linked to a greater risk of cavities. This means that certain patients might benefit from specialized toothpastes or mouth rinses, in addition to frequent preventive dental care.
- Periodontal disease – It’s estimated that about 30% of the population is genetically predisposed to gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can result in total tooth loss—meaning that preventive dental care is the best way to thwart it.
- Weak teeth – Eating habits during the development of the teeth can affect their health; for instance, calcium deficiency can cause the teeth to be weaker and predisposed to cavities.
- Misaligned teeth – Since genetics play a major role in determining the size of your jaw, the position of your teeth is also heavily influenced by your parents; if you need braces, the odds are that you’re probably not the only one in your family!
- Discolored teeth – Tooth color is determined by a combination of your genes and your environment, which includes your diet and lifestyle habits. People can inherit thinner enamel that makes their teeth generally appear more yellow; but this can also be a consequence of poor hygiene or enamel wear-and-tear over the years.
- Oral cancer – This deadly disease is responsible for thousands of deaths annually, and although lifestyle choices tend to be the top risk factors for oral cancer, genetics can also play a role, as certain people carry markers that indicate a higher cancer risk.
How To Keep Your Smile Healthy
Your genes might play a part in your oral health, but ultimately, you are the one in full control of your smile! There are several things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy and mitigate the progression of oral health problems. Consider the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss at least once a day, especially before bedtime.
- Maintain a vitamin- and nutrient-rich diet and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid poor oral habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, biting your fingernails, etc.
- Visit your dentist regularly for preventive care.
About the Author
Dr. Reza Jafari received his dental doctorate from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Phoenix area for several years. Dr. Jafari has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide range of fields and is a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Jafari through his practice’s website or over the phone for assistance: (602) 404-3483.