Can Bad Teeth Be Hereditary?

We have our genes to thank for every aspect of our physical body. Our hair colour, skin complexion, facial features and even our size is genetically disposed. Your teeth, for example, would be affected by your genes to some degree but not all oral issues are connected to your genes. Oral hygiene practices will dictate whether you suffer from tooth decay.

Teeth Crowding

This often occurs due to genetics, when a person’s jaw is not proportionate in size to the teeth. This means if your parents had crowding issues, then it will likely affect you to some degree. When there is not enough space for teeth to erupt, the teeth will meet some resistance which would then result to crooked teeth. However, this can be treated by an orthodontist from orthodontics in farmington. Invisalign is a revolutionary new treatment for straightening teeth, which comes in the form of a clear plastic aligner that can easily be removed when eating.

Tooth Discoloration

The color of your teeth is determined by your genetics and your environment. If you have stained teeth, sourcing teeth whitening  in your city is easy with a Google search. It might be due to your genes that you have every thin tooth enamel, which often turns the teeth a yellowish color. There are no standard shade changes with laser teeth whitening, rather each person is unique. You should discuss shades with the dentist as it is not a question of the whiter the better. With the help of your dentist, you can select a shade that suits you.

Oral Cancer

While environmental conditions play a major role, your genes can also play a part. Research tells us that people who carry certain genetic markers are more prone to developing oral cancer. Other factors believed to be connected with oral cancer are smoking, drinking and not having a balanced diet.

Gum Disease

There is evidence to show that periodontal disease can be hereditary. Surveys show that up to 30% of all gum disease is genetically disposed. If there is a history of gum disease in your family, make sure you have regular dental check-ups and do mention this to the dentist.

The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Putting hereditary issues aside, we should all adopt a good oral hygiene regime, which should minimise any oral issues. A good oral hygiene regime would include the following:

* Correct brushing – You should brush your teeth after every meal and before and after sleep. The right type of toothbrush would be a small head with soft bristles. Make sure that you use a fluoride toothpaste, which helps to prevent tooth decay.
* Correct flossing – It is important to floss after brushing, as this removes small particles of trapped food that become lodged between your teeth.
* Antiseptic mouthwash – You should use a mouthwash after drinking coffee or having a snack, as this helps to remove harmful sugar and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

While we can do little about our genetic disposition, we do have complete control over our oral health routine. With regular dental examinations, should your dentist find any issues, they can promptly be treated.