Most people know the basics of how genes are passed from parent to child: you inherit characteristics based on a combination of dominant and recessive genes from your mother and father. This DNA is what makes a person uniquely them.
Studies on how genes affect all aspects of our health are constant and you may be surprised at how much our genes affect our oral health.
Good oral health is greatly influenced by how well an individual follows specific habit patterns.
Cutting down on sugar, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and getting your yearly dental cleanings are ways to prevent the formation of cavities.
But what if that wasn’t enough? Is it possible to be stuck with genes that make getting cavities inevitable? If your parents had to get their wisdom teeth removed, will you have to as well?
As with anything, there is a scientific explanation for it. We may eventually reach a point where dentists can predict the outlook and outcome of future generations as traced through the ages of time. Right now, let’s look at the facts.
Ways that Genes Affect Tooth Development
One way we can observe how genes play out in the next generation’s pearly whites is to look inside the parent’s mouths. If both have misaligned, jagged teeth, then you might also inherit these.
Also, big teeth and little teeth are something that can be passed down. You may always hear one or the other parents complain about their teeth hurting, and they may just have weak enamel!
In the end, we are not our parents. Individuals worried about inheriting certain traits from their parents cannot throw in the towel. Yes, susceptibility is one thing, but personal responsibility is another.
It’s about a 50/50 split between environmental factors and genetic factors. If you can see the dentist before irreversible damage sets in, your teeth can have a longer lifespan.
Tips to Combat Dental Conditions
When it comes to combatting dental conditions, knowledge is power. Even if you don’t feel it necessary, you should get screened for oral cancer every three years if you are over the age of 20.
If you feel your wisdom teeth growing in, you should get them checked, especially if you have a family history of infections. Gum disease has a genetic component.
Make sure that you are brushing not only your teeth but your gumline as well to ensure that gingivitis does not set in when you are least aware.
It’s easy to blame genetics for dental issues, but it’s also important to remember that you have the power to influence your oral health. By staying informed and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can take action to protect your teeth—no matter what you inherited.
Dental Health Care for Everyone in your Family
Trust the dental team at Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp for optimal oral health. Our dental office is full-service and offers everything from teeth cleaning and whitening to dental veneers and braces as well as dental implants, dentures and more. Dr. Sedki has more than 20 years of experience in all facets of dentistry and uses the latest equipment, technology and treatments available. Why not experience the best dental health with an experienced dentist you can trust? Call for a Free Dental Consultation today!