By Celebrity Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Riddhi Katara, founder of Experteeth Dental Care.
Do you have a family history of cavities, periodontal disease, crooked teeth, or oral cancer? But, can your ancestors’ oral health have any influence on how strong or crooked your teeth are, your risk of developing gum disease, or even how easily you get cavities? While the majority of dental problems are the result of decisions you’ve made and habits you’ve developed, the reality is that some qualities can be passed down from generation to generation. Likewise, certain persons may be predisposed to gum disease due to genetic causes.
Some of the hereditary abnormalities affecting the oral cavity are as follows:
Anodontia.
Anodontia, or the complete absence of teeth, is extremely uncommon.
Hypodontia.
When a person is born with one to five missing teeth, this is referred to as hypodontia or partial anodontia (not including wisdom teeth). Second premolars and lateral incisors are the most commonly missing teeth. This is the most prevalent hereditary dental anomaly, affecting one out of every 18 persons.
Amelogenesis Imperfecta.
The outer protective coating of the teeth, enamel, is damaged or missing as a result of this condition. It may also result in malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. It affects only about 1 in every 7,000 to 14,000 people.
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta.
This disorder causes tooth discoloration or the appearance of translucency. In addition, the teeth are often weaker and more prone to breaking.
Cleft Lip and Palate.
These are oral abnormalities that arise during fetal development. The result is incorrect creation of the roof of the mouth, the lips, or both.
A dentist may investigate your family’s oral health history at an initial evaluation to discover if there is any strong association with certain oral illnesses that may place you at a higher risk for those conditions. According to research, there is a hereditary link to specific conditions that can bring you to your dentist for treatment. To some extent, hereditary features can influence the makeup and strength of teeth.
Some families may be predisposed to “soft teeth” that are more prone to decay. Don’t believe you can rest on your laurels if you’ve been blessed with wonderful dental health genes. It is still critical to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and evening, and to floss regularly. Of course, genetics is not the only factor influencing your oral health. Just as lifestyle factors can reduce your hereditary risk for some systemic diseases, proper oral hygiene habits can give some protection for your smile even if you have genetic variables working against you.
Because jaw development is inherited to some extent, small jaws that prepare the stage for crowding may be a familial feature. In addition to influencing your dental health, your genes can also influence the appearance of your smile.
Even though cavities and tooth decay are not a genetic concern, members of the same family frequently have similar decay issues. Most of the time, this is due to the fact that children watch their parents develop good dental hygiene habits at a young age. If Mom, Dad, or other caregivers aren’t brushing and flossing their teeth as much as they should, their children may follow suit. Similarly, members of the same family may have similar diets; if Mom is constantly making cookies and offering sugary treats, almost everyone in the house will partake. Of course, bad dietary choices might contribute to tooth health issues. It is always preferable to get a regular dental check-up, and proper care will help you maintain good oral hygiene.
