Is Dental Health Genetic?

by admin Dental Care

Some of us have fewer dental issues than others throughout our lives. But what does it depend on? Is dental health genetic, or does preventative dentistry play a significant role in the condition of your teeth and gums? In this article, we answer this question and give tips on how to improve and preserve your dental health.

 

Is Dental Health Genetic?

Genetics influences most of our traits, including dental health, to some extent. We might be prone to certain illnesses that we inherit from our parents or, on the contrary, be less susceptible to others.

Some people are born with stronger teeth and more resilient enamel, while others have softer enamel with more grooves. Grooves in the enamel make it easier for bacteria to linger on the teeth and can make it harder to clean the teeth sufficiently. Thus, the risk of cavities for people with soft enamel is higher. 

Another genetic trait that can play a role in your dental health is the chemical makeup of saliva. Saliva plays a significant role in fighting bacteria in the mouth. Thus, people with “thinner” saliva can be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. However, the condition of our general health and dental health largely depends on the amount of care we take for our bodies and our life and diet habits. Below, we give tips on how to preserve or improve your dental health, regardless of the genetics you have.

 

Dental Health and Oral Hygiene

Even people who are lucky to have strong teeth due to their genetics will soon notice changes for the worse if their oral hygiene is habitually insufficient. Bacteria and food debris that are not removed from the teeth turn to plaque and then to tartar over time. 

Acid and bacteria in plaque and tartar eat away at the enamel of the teeth, causing cavities and gum disease. If not addressed in time, both these issues can eventually lead to tooth loss. Efficient and regular oral hygiene is the most essential preventive dentistry measure, helping to avoid many oral health issues and complicated treatments. 

 

Effective Oral Hygiene Tips

Here are several tips on how to boost your oral hygiene:

  • Brush your teeth for two full minutes in the morning and before going to bed. Make sure to remove residue from the front and back of the teeth and the chewing surface. Also, clean thoroughly along the gum line, as plaque tends to accumulate along and under the gums. 
  • Choose a brush that is suitable for you and cleans effectively. When brushing along the gumline, do not harm the gums or cause them to bleed.
  • Opt for a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is proven to remineralize and strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making them more resistant to bacteria. It also helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
  • Floss your teeth every evening, removing food residue between the teeth but making sure not to harm the gums with the flossing thread. If flossing is challenging for you, try additional tools such as a floss threader or interdental brushes. 
  • Consider using a water flosser as an additional step in your hygiene routine. When used before brushing and flossing, a water flosser can help loosen plaque and food debris and make it easier to remove them with a toothbrush and floss. It can also boost the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste and help fight gum disease.
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional deep cleaning and a fluoride treatment, even if you enjoy good oral health. Most of us have areas in the mouth that are hard to reach when brushing and flossing, especially if the teeth are not aligned perfectly. As a result, some plaque and tartar might accumulate in these areas. On top of that, once plaque turns into tartar, it is impossible to remove using just a toothbrush. Your hygienist has special tools and products to effectively remove both plaque and tartar, thus preventing cavities and gum disease.
  • Consult an orthodontist if you have a significant midsegment, as this can influence how well your teeth can be cleaned daily. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities and improve the general condition of the teeth and gums.

 

Make an Appointment Today

Boost your dental health by making an appointment with a reliable dentist at the Smiles of Arcadia dental office today. We will conduct an examination of your teeth and gums to offer you an effective treatment plan. Our specialists look forward to your visit.