Is oral health genetic?
If you had a lot of cavities, are your children destined for the same?
The answer is: Not as much as you might think!
Facts:
1)There is no specific gene that has been identified that directly leads to major dental issues.
2)The most common dental issues are a combination of genetics AND environmental factors.
3)Many dental issues can be avoided, regardless of genetics, with regular visits to our office and regular brushing and flossing.
4)There aren’t any genetic tests to predict dental health.
There are genetic factors that can influence how teeth and gums form and there are abnormalities that can be inherited like cleft lip and palate, hypodontia (when five or less permanent teeth are missing) and more rare conditions like anodontia (complete lack of teeth). There are also genetic conditions that are known to have oral health implications associated with them like Down Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome.
For most people, however, issues associated with inheriting dental issues can be prevented with environmental factors!
For example, brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing once a day, using a fluoride toothpaste, visiting our office every six months. In office fluoride treatments and sealant are beneficial to everyone’s smiles, including those who feel genetically prone to cavities!