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Does Genetics Make a Difference in Your Teeth?

It’s known and proven that we inherit most of our physical characteristics and traits from our parents and ancestors, like height, the colour of the iris, complexion, and hair. However, is it applicable to teeth as well? As you go down and read more about this, you’ll get to know that for the most part, it is. However, it’s not that simple. Let’s know in detail.

First, we need to address a couple of questions: How much of a role does genetics play in your oral health? Are there specific diseases that are more likely to pass down from your parents or ancestors to you?

Your mum and dad transfer several oral concerns to you through genetics, whether it’s the shape of your jaw or even the amount of protein in your saliva. Let’s take a look at the ones that are the most prevalent.

Oral cavities

The main issue when discussing genetics and oral health is without a doubt cavities. Do certain people have a higher risk of getting cavities than others? If so, which genetic traits play a role in this? The American Dental Association (ADA) claims that the structure of your enamel and dentin, immune system response, salivary volume and composition, and natural oral bacteria all have an impact on the formation of cavities.

But in terms of a genetic factor that directly makes you susceptible to cavities, research findings have been conflicting. The answer is still up in the air, however, recent research indicates that heredity may contribute from 20% up to 85% of the time to the formation of cavities.

With that being said, it’s better to be safe than sorry by having cavities. Consult your dentist regularly and practise good oral hygiene at home so that you can do your best to protect your teeth. Irrespective of whether cavities are caused by genetics, regular dental care is one of the greatest strategies to prevent them.

Misaligned teeth and jaw shape

Malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, are typically a result of the way your jaw is shaped, which is a genetic condition. Your bite being inconsistent and your teeth become crowded due to malocclusion can cause a number of oral health issues.

In addition to making chewing difficult or unpleasant, overcrowding your teeth increases your chance of developing cavities and dental decay because germs may grow in the hard-to-reach crevices between your teeth.

Gum disease

Gum disease is a dangerous infection in the tissues that support your teeth. Without adequate care, it can result in tooth loss and cause the gums to swell, bleed, and turn red. Gum disease is mostly brought on by plaque that is built up, a bacterial material that can solidify under your gum line and require expert dental cleaning to eradicate.

However, there are risk factors that increase certain people’s likelihood of developing periodontal disease, the advanced stage of gum disease, including heredity. The best method to avoid gum disease is to practise proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist frequently.

It might feel unbelievable that a bacterial disease is quite predisposed to genetics. However, while maintaining oral health can go a long way in preventing gum disease, your genetic make-up affects how susceptible you are to the condition and how severe it is.

Don’t worry, there are things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of you catching this. Maintain your stress levels, don’t smoke or reduce the frequency of your smoking, follow a healthy diet and avoid unhealthy habits like grinding or clenching your teeth. This will drastically reduce the chances of you developing this disease and even if you do get affected by it, your dentist will find it easier to tackle the disease.

Mouth cancer

Oral cancer makes up for one of the most unwelcome of our inherited dental issues, though is fortunately very little impacted by genetic factors. A higher chance of contracting the illness exists in people with specific genetic markers. But the majority of the time, lifestyle elements like drinking and smoking contribute the most.

With that said, as mentioned earlier, the good news is you can lower your risk of dental cancer as well as periodontal disease by quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, and eating a nutritious diet.

Parting words

Hope you got some clarity when it comes to dental issues passed down from your parents to you and what you can do to decrease the chances of you contracting them. If you’re struggling with some oral concern or would like to know more about anything related to your teeth, we are right here! Contact us through this link or reach out to us via info@cloverdental.com.au or 03 9380 1107. We will be glad to hear from you.

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