Can Bad Teeth Run in the Family?

When looking through an old photo album, you noticed a trend: everyone on one side of your family had the same smile. You’ve always felt insecure about your pearly whites, but you had never noticed that they seem to run in your family. Though the look of your grin may be passed down through generations, can the same thing be said about oral health problems? Read on to learn about the connection between genetics and oral health problems as well as things you can do to show genetics who’s boss.

Oral Health Issues That May Be Genetic

You have your mom’s hair, your dad’s eyes, and your grandma’s nose, but can your constant struggle with oral health issues also be connected to your genetics. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. There are certain genetic defects that can make people more likely to have issues with how their teeth develop. Genetic factors can also cause you to produce an inadequate amount of saliva. This can cause dry mouth and make you more likely to develop oral health problems. Some oral health issues that have been linked to genetics include:

• Weak teeth resulting from a lack of calcium or bad eating habits during tooth development
• Joint pain or bite problems due to the size of one’s jawbone
• Tooth discoloration as the result of thin tooth enamel
• Teeth that are crooked or overcrowded
• Gum disease
• Oral cancer
• Cavities

How Oral Hygiene Can Help

Fortunately, maintaining good oral hygiene can go a long way in helping you prevent the above issues. Make sure to brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night for two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen them and a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent enamel damage. You should also floss your teeth before you go to bed to remove plaque and food particles that can’t be reached with brushing alone.

How Eating a Balanced Diet Can Help

Eating a dentist-approved diet can also help you maintain a healthy smile. Consume things that can cause oral health issues like alcohol, sweets, and acidic foods and beverages in moderation to limit dental damage. Additionally, increase your intake of foods that are good for your smile, including:

• Carrots, apples, celery, pears, and other fresh, crisp fruits and vegetables
• Milk, plain yogurt, cheese, and other low-fat or fat-free dairy products
• Salmon and other fish that contain calcium and vitamin D
• Chicken, pork, beef, turkey, and other lean meats

As you can see, there are oral health issues that some people may have a genetic predisposition to. Even so, with a good at-home oral hygiene plan and regular visits to your dentist, you’ll be able to prevent oral health issues and maintain a brag-worthy, beautiful smile!

About the Author

If you’ve always been prone to oral health problems and aren’t sure why, genetics may be to blame. At Aspen Dental Care, the team strives to help you learn the best methods to care for your smile so you can keep oral health issues at bay. They also offer services like dental cleanings and checkups to fight back against genetics and keep your pearly whites looking their best. Visit Aspen Dental Care’s website or call their office at (970) 482-3166 for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shiloh Lindsey and her talented Fort Collins team.