We all know we inherit characteristics from our parents such as hair colour and blood type but can we also inherit oral health characteristics, such as gum disease or being prone to tooth decay?
Although genetics can influence your oral health ultimately the condition of your oral health is in your hands. The environment, lifestyle and upbringing of the individual determines the condition of one’s oral health. Things such as tooth decay, gum disease and tooth alignment can all be discussed when talking about genetics, and some have more influence than others.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the damage of tooth enamel caused by poor diet, sweet treats and insufficient oral hygiene. Tooth decay is mainly influenced by the health of the individual and isn’t necessarily caused/influenced by genetics but can be linked to amount of sugar intake and/or exposure to fluoride, weather at the dentist or in the drinking water. So, unfortunately, we can’t blame our parents for tooth decay.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums tissue that can cause swelling, redness and bleeding. It can also cause teeth to become loose due to lack of gum support. Gum disease can be caused by genetics but is typically caused by a high build-up of hard plaque that can only be removed by a professional. Periodontal disease (the advance stage of gum disease) can be inherited or characteristics of the condition can be inherited from our parents. Other influential factors of gum disease include
- Age
- Smoking
- Stress
- Medications
Tooth Alignment
Crooked teeth, over bites and gappy teeth can be blamed on genetics but this always isn’t the case. Jaw structure and teeth positioning can be passed down through genetics, from parent to child but this can also be caused by things such as dummy or thumb sucking. It is important to keep an eye on teeth development as they grow into a young adult and intervene at the right time.
It is important to return for routine check-ups to maintain great oral hygiene and prevent genetics getting the better of your oral hygiene. Contact our friendly staff at Coomera Dental Centre to book an appointment.