Are you constantly encountering oral health issues? You may be starting to wonder if you were genetically predisposed to bad dental health. After all – you brush and floss your teeth regularly. What more can you do? The truth is that some parts of your dental health are determined by genetics while others are completely under your control. That being said, you aren’t necessarily destined to go the rest of your life with tooth pain and an unsightly smile. Here’s what you should know.
How Do Genetics Contribute to Oral Health?
There are some people who are more likely to encounter dental issues related to their tooth enamel or develop due to genetic defects. Genetics can also impact your ability to produce and adequate amount of saliva – a key mechanism in your mouth and immune system to help you fight off infections. Ultimately, both of these things can increase your risk of developing gum disease.
Other Family-Related Factors That Contribute to Your Smile
The similarities in dental issues between you and your family members may not be genetically related. Instead, it could be from similar lifestyle habits. Here are some factors that can play a role:
- Eating Habits: When you share meals with your family, you enjoy many of the same food items. If you eat the same food often, it’s no wonder why your dental health is in a similar state. Some foods are more beneficial to your smile than others, so the meals that your family chooses play an important role. Diet is one of the most prominent factors that contribute to tooth decay and other oral health issues.
- Bad Practices: It’s easy to pick up bad habits form the people you are close to. For example, if your parents and siblings never prioritized their dental hygiene, you are more likely to do the same.
- Tobacco Use: If you are part of a family where many members smoke or use other tobacco products, you are statistically more likely to pick up the habit yourself. Smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease, significantly increasing your probability of oral cancer. Frequent drinking can also result in negative oral health effects.
The health of your smile is partially hereditary, but you are still in control! When you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, avoid bad habits, eat healthy, and see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups, you can overcome poor oral health!
About the Practice
At Wolfe Dental, Dr. Ben Wolfe and Dr. Michael Yesenofski work together to treat patients in the Cedar Mill community. They have decades of experience and are happy to serve those of all ages. If you are concerned about your dental health, they would be happy to help you get back on track. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (503) 751-2735.