Hand-me-down oral health issues
Your genetics and your smile
Families can sometimes share traits like hair and eye color, freckles, and even dimples. But did you know that oral health issues can also run in the family?
That’s why it’s important to inform your dentist of your family medical and dental history. If your family is prone to certain conditions, your dentist can advise you on how to reduce that risk and adjust your treatment if necessary.
You won’t develop an oral health issue solely because of your family history. But for some people, genetics can make them more prone to oral disease.
Cavity risk
Your family history can make you more or less prone to cavities in a number of ways:
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Enamel strength: Some families naturally have stronger or thicker tooth enamel.
- Harder, thicker enamel is more difficult to break down, which makes cavities less likely to develop.
- Thinner tooth enamel can make cavities more likely to reach the dentin, the layer below your tooth enamel. While cavities that are only in the enamel can be remineralized, once a cavity reaches the dentin, it needs to be restored by a dentist with a filling.
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Tooth grooves:
- Genetics can also play a role in the shape and structure of your teeth, with some people having deeper grooves than others. Because deeper tooth grooves are harder to clean with your toothbrush, it’s easier for food to get stuck in your teeth. Eventually, this can lead to increased mouth bacteria, plaque, and cavities.
- Sealants are used to prevent cavities in the deep grooves of teeth. Sealants fill in the grooves on the biting surfaces of back teeth and help prevent cavities from forming there.
Gum health
Genetic factors go beyond your teeth and can also influence the health of your gums. You’re more likely to get gum disease if members of your immediate family have had it, although more research is needed to determine why.
Other oral health issues
In addition to tooth decay and gum disease, family history can increase the likelihood you’ll develop a variety of oral health risks, including:
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Dry mouth. The amount of saliva you produce is influenced by your genetics. If you come from a family that produces less, you may suffer from dry mouth and its symptoms, including chronic bad breath and increased risk for cavities.
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Wisdom teeth removal. Family traits can help determine if your jaw has enough room for wisdom teeth, or if they grow in at all.
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Different forms of oral cancer. While you can’t change your genetics, you can reduce your risk of cancer by not smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products and by limiting alcohol use.
Overall health complications
It’s also important to discuss your family’s overall medical history with your dentist. That’s because overall health issues that run in your family also influence your oral health treatment:
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Diabetes can make you more likely to develop gum disease.
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Cardiovascular problems like heart disease and clogged arteries can be connected to oral health issues.
But it’s not just major health problems. Inform your dentist about the state of your overall health, because eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and even immune system issues can influence your treatment.
Are sugar cravings nature or nurture? They are both! Your genetics can make you more likely to crave sweets, but stocking your fridge and cupboard with healthy foods can still help you avoid sugar splurges.
Reduce your risks — no matter what family you come from
Regardless of your family’s oral health history, you can proactively reduce your risk by brushing twice and flossing daily, and by visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care. While you’re there, make sure your dentist is aware of your family history!
