Have you ever wondered if your genes affect your oral health? The answer is yes! Most physical traits –your eye color, your height, and yes, your teeth – are determined by your genetic makeup inherited from your parents. You may have wondered, “Did I inherit “bad teeth” from my parents?” Let’s look at a few specific ways that your DNA can influence your oral hygiene.
SHAPE AND SIZE OF YOUR TEETH
Factors like tooth size and shape, smile alignment, and jaw structure are all inherited. So if your parents required braces or wisdom tooth extraction to achieve a perfect smile, you are likely to need those treatments as well. But if your folks have naturally straight teeth, congrats! You might have hit the genetic jackpot.
ENAMEL STRENGTH
Another aspect of oral health that we can thank good ol’ mom and dad for is enamel strength. Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that protects against cavities. Some people inherit naturally thick enamel that is more resistant to decay. Others have thinner layers of enamel, which makes their teeth more sensitive and more vulnerable to dental problems.
GUM DISEASE
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects nearly half of Americans over age thirty. Studies show that genetics play a role in the development of gum disease, so if you know that it runs in your family, be sure to tell us at your next appointment! Early treatment is key to keeping gum disease under control.
PRIORITIZE PROPER ORAL HYGIENE WITH YOUR NEVADA, MO DENTIST
No matter how your genetics may have affected your oral health, one thing you do have control over is how you take care of your smile. While you may have inherited certain aspects of your smile from your parents, it doesn’t doom you to “bad teeth.” What is more often inherited is ineffective brushing and flossing habits. Be sure to brush and floss every day, eat a tooth-friendly diet, and visit Advanced Dentistry of Nevada for checkups and cleanings every six months. Dr. Kalbaugh and the rest of our team will answer any questions you may have and keep your smile as healthy as possible, with or without help from your genes!
FAQs
Have you ever wondered if your genes affect your oral health? The answer is yes!
Can bad teeth be inherited? ›
Unfortunately, the answer is yes – bad teeth can be genetic. Your genes can affect how your teeth and bone structure develop, meaning sometimes they may not form properly and be susceptible to dental issues. Read on to find out which problems can run in the family and what you can do to maintain a healthy smile.
Do genetics play a role in teeth health? ›
In conclusion, genetics play a significant role in dental health, affecting tooth development, susceptibility to decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. However, proper oral hygiene, regular checkups, and a healthy lifestyle can help combat genetic dental problems and maintain good dental health.
Are teeth genetic or environmental? ›
Almost every aspect of your oral health is affected to a degree by your genes; the size and shape of your mouth, and bone structure is inherited. Crooked teeth are usually passed down from generation to generation, but the bad oral care habits of previous generations do not cause you to have bad teeth.
What is the definition of bad teeth? ›
Dentists, however, define “bad” teeth as teeth in a poor state of health. Tooth decay, gum disease, discolorations, and sensitive teeth: avoiding these conditions comes down to proper dental care.
Do teeth come from mom or dad? ›
Most physical traits –your eye color, your height, and yes, your teeth – are determined by your genetic makeup inherited from your parents.
What is a hereditary disease in teeth? ›
Hypodontia, or partial anodontia, describes when an individual is missing one to five teeth from birth (not including wisdom teeth). The most common missing teeth are second premolars and lateral incisors. This is the most common dental genetic abnormality, affecting 1 in 18 people.
Is periodontal disease hereditary? ›
Current studies suggest that periodontal disease is influenced by heredity, so your genetic makeup truly does have the potential to make you more susceptible to periodontitis. Aggressive Periodontitis is a condition where patients rapidly lose bone around selected teeth. In some cases it can affect all of the teeth.
Is being born with teeth hereditary? ›
[12] A hereditary factor has been traced in 10 out of 24 cases of natal teeth studied by Massler and Savara (1950), and in 7 out of 19 cases reported by Gardiner (1961). Halls (1957) reports a family of three brothers, one of whom had 2 incisors present at birth; and in another, a tooth had erupted 9 days after birth.
What is the genetic test for periodontal disease? ›
Genetic Tests
DNA Testing called a Periodontal Susceptibility Test (PST) provides a fingerprint of specific DNA associated with Periodontal Disease. It can help us determine if you are at risk of developing a severe form of gum disease.
All men inherit a Y chromosome from their father, which means all traits that are only found on the Y chromosome come from dad, not mom. The Supporting Evidence: Y-linked traits follow a clear paternal lineage.
What is the difference between your teeth and your parents' teeth? ›
Primary teeth are smaller and look whiter than permanent teeth because they have thinner enamel. Their roots are also shorter and thinner. Primary teeth are usually just 20, while there are 32 permanent adult teeth.
Is plaque buildup on teeth genetic? ›
But in addition to your habits and environment, the American Dental Association has demonstrated a link between genetics and higher bacteria buildup. Depending on inherited attributes, you may be more prone to tooth decay than others.
How did my teeth get so bad? ›
Not cleaning your teeth well, snacking a lot and sipping sugary drinks are the main causes of cavities. Cavities are areas in the hard surface of your teeth that are damaged.
How do you fix terrible teeth? ›
Fixing Teeth Permanently With Our Dental Restoration Options
- Braces. This is the most well-known option for those with crooked teeth. ...
- Bridges. ...
- Crowns. ...
- Dentures. ...
- Implants. ...
- Invisalign. ...
- Root Canal. ...
- Whitening.
It can lead to infections that can spread to the other parts of the body, it can increase your risk of heart disease and it can weaken your immune system. Good oral hygiene and biannual trips to the dentist are essential when it comes to keeping tooth decay away.
Can teeth discoloration be hereditary? ›
Genetics Can Affect the Appearance of the Teeth
And in fact, genetics can impact the color of a person's teeth. Thicker, whiter enamel can run in families, just as more transparent tooth enamel can be inherited. Many people have genetically yellow teeth that don't respond well to store-bought whiteners or toothpastes.
Is poor tooth enamel genetic? ›
Genetics, epigenetics, and environment factors can influence enamel formation and play a role in resistance/risk for developmental defects and the complex disease, dental caries.
Are bad teeth a turn off? ›
Bad teeth can be associated with poor oral hygiene and a lack of self-esteem and self-respect, as well as impacting on confidence, which is an important trait for many people when they are looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend.
