You may already know that brushing and flossing twice daily can help prevent oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease. But, unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop a problem.
If you’re dedicated to keeping your mouth clean, it can be incredibly frustrating if you develop concerns anyway. However, this can sometimes happen due to your genetic makeup. If you were unaware that certain oral issues can be passed down to you through your family, continue reading to learn more about issues that can be inherited and how to enhance your dental health!
What Causes Dental Problems?
Many more complex oral issues can be avoided by preventing more common problems, such as cavities or gum disease, which are caused by certain bacteria. Most people don’t realize they have billions of germs representing hundreds of species living in their mouths. While some of these are beneficial and aid necessary processes, such as digestion, others are harmful.
For example, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are known to cause caries, while Porphyromonas gingivalis and others can form periodontal problems. If these thrive, they can overpower the ‘healthy’ microbes in your mouth that keep them in check, resulting in dental issues.
Did I Inherit Poor Oral Health?
Typically, people aren’t born with these bacteria in their mouths. Most germs are acquired after birth naturally through exposure to the environment. That means that, although parents might share germs with their kids, children aren’t born with problem-causing microbes already in their mouths.
That said, certain genetic disorders can negatively affect your grin, such as Amelogenesis Imperfecta or Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, which result in weakened, discolored, or easily breakable enamel. Furthermore, certain medical concerns, such as diabetes, also have strong genetic components and are closely associated with oral issues, like gum disease.
How Can I Maintain My Smile?
If you don’t already regularly brush and floss your teeth, implementing a twice-daily routine regularly removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to many dental concerns. But there are spaces in your mouth that are hard to see or reach on your own at home, so the American Dental Association also recommends scheduling a routine dental checkup and cleaning every six months.
Preventive visits allow your provider to monitor your condition so they can catch and treat any areas of concern, such as thinning or darkened enamel or swollen gums, before they can progress into more serious issues.
If you’re concerned that your family history may be impacting your smile, your dentist can provide customized treatment plans to meet your unique needs!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jay Oza has over a decade of experience helping patients of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his dental degree at New York University and remains active with several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, to stay current with contemporary dental practices. His compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to provide accurate, comfortable services to enhance your dental health. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (682) 772-3072.