Does Your Tooth Decay Have Anything to Do with Your Genetics?

Your parents may have given you more than just your hair color and height. They might have also passed their oral health problems onto you. That’s right, it turns out dental problems can run in the family, according to a recent study from an international team of dentists. What exactly were the results of the study? And what does that mean for you? A dentist explains below.

What Did the Study Find?

The study suggests that certain hereditary and lifestyle factors are able to influence someone’s likelihood of contracting tooth decay and periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Before this study, dental professionals knew that two people who eat and drink the same things and brush and floss in the same manner could develop different levels of decay. However, they didn’t figure out why until now.

Researchers found a causal link between risk factors for heart disease and cavities, such as smoking, lack of regular exercise, and obesity. In addition, they looked at data from nearly half a million British people to determine which genes were related to oral health problems, and found 47 new genes associated with tooth decay and gum disease.

In the future, analyzing genes in this way may be the key to figuring out who is more prone to dental issues. However, the most important factor in the state of your teeth’s health lies in how you take care of them.

How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?

To keep from getting dental health problems, follow these steps:

• Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a brush with soft bristles to not wear down the enamel and fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth against decay.
• Floss once a day to keep plaque from hardening into tartar, which causes gum disease and bad breath.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove all the plaque that brushing and flossing alone can’t.
• Quit smoking, as plaque thrives with tobacco use.
• Keep consumption of sugary foods and drinks to a minimum.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and get your decay and gum disease treated as soon as possible.

Your genetics may be partially to blame for your dental issues, but so are your oral health habits. Follow the steps listed above to keep your mouth clean, healthy, and free from disease.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Simeone achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Temple University’s School of Dental Medicine in 2001. He is involved in several professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. To learn whether you’re genetically predisposed to oral health issues, contact the doctor on his website or by calling (610) 383-1600.