Oral Health & Heritage: How Bad Teeth Can Be Genetic

Most folks know at least some traits they inherited from their family. You may have your mother’s brown hair, your dad’s tall height, your grandparent’s hazel eyes – the list goes on. Still, there’s one ancestry-related fact that many people never learned: even bad teeth can be genetic. A person’s oral issues may stem more from nature than nurture, finding their roots in one’s family tree. See how that’s the case by reading the helpful summary below!

How Can Bad Teeth Be Genetic?

Indeed, smile problems can often “run in the family.” Various genes have been linked to oral health conditions like:

Tooth Decay  

If you suffer from cavities, your biology may be to blame. Genes can sometimes cause teeth to form improperly, making them less resistant to bacteria. The effect of such poor formation is usually a higher risk of tooth decay and similar issues.

Yellowed Teeth

Like cavities, yellowed teeth can also result from one’s genes. That’s because how your enamel forms is a product of your genetics. Some people may be born with a naturally thin layer, making dark and yellow teeth a more likely outcome. (Of course, thin enamel can also come from wear and tear.)

Crooked/Misaligned Teeth

While it may sound odd, genes can even impact your smile’s alignment. These bits of your biology determine whether a jawbone is big or small, thus affecting your risk of crowding, gaps, and bite problems. Research even shows that having a family with such orthodontic issues makes you more likely to have them as well.

What Can You Do About It?

If there’s any good news, it’s that genes don’t have full control over your oral health. The right practices can still help you get (and keep) a nice smile, so make sure to do the following:

• Clean Your Mouth Daily: If you brush twice a day, floss once daily, and rinse often with mouthwash, your smile should quickly get stronger and prettier.
• Avoid Bad Oral Habits: Since smoking tends to stain teeth and cause oral cancer, avoid this and similar habits.
• Stay Away from Sugar: To make tooth decay less likely, reduce your intake of sugary foods. Instead, focus on “mouth-healthy” meals with leafy greens, lean protein, and dairy.
• Get Dental Checkups: Often enough, you can prevent oral issues by seeing your dentist for twice-yearly checkups. They’d make sure such problems never take root.
• Try Cosmetic Dentistry: Even if genetics stain your smile, cosmetic dental options like teeth whitening and veneers can brighten your grin.

Though bad teeth can be genetic, you still have the power to achieve a healthy grin. Just talk to your dental provider about ways to improve your oral health.

About the Practice

Dental Excellence is based in Henderson, NV. Led by Dr. Brett Noorda, our practice proudly offers superior dentistry to anyone who sees us. We tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to each patient’s specific smile, ensuring the best results possible. That means you and your family can trust us to help your whole mouth thrive! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (702)-456-7403.