Have you ever thought about why some people look like they have naturally strong teeth and others get cavities and gum disease? Genes have an interesting effect on our oral health.
Genes affect the growth of our teeth, gums, and saliva, just like genes affect the color of our hair and eyes. All of these things can change our risk of dental problems. If you want to find a dentist who knows how genetics affect oral health, you might want to talk to a Thornton top dentist.
Understand your family’s dental history.
The dental background of your family can tell you a lot about the risks to your own oral health. It is possible that you are more likely to have tooth loss, gum disease, or other oral problems if your parents or siblings have had them. Talking to family members about their dental experiences can help you figure out what risks might be there and how to protect your smile.
How genes can influence your oral health.
Several elements of oral health can be affected by genes, such as:
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Getting new teeth.
The genes we are born with decide how big, round, and strong our teeth are. Some people naturally have enamel that is not as strong, which can make them more likely to get cavities. For instance, people with amelogenesis imperfecta have a genetic trait that changes the way tooth enamel forms, which makes their teeth more likely to get cavities.
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Gum disease.
Some genes may make people more likely to get gum disease, which is an inflammatory condition that hurts the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place. For example, people with certain DNA differences may have a weaker immune system, which makes them more likely to get gum disease.
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Saliva makeup.
Saliva is very important for keeping teeth healthy because it cleans away food bits and neutralizes acids that can damage teeth. Genetics plays a role in the makeup of saliva, and some people may have saliva that is less good at keeping teeth healthy. People who have Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects the salivary glands, may have dry mouth, which can make them more likely to get teeth and gum disease.
How to proactively manage dental risks.
Genes do affect oral health, but they are not the only factor. There are things you can do to keep your smile healthy, even if somebody in your family has had dental problems in the past:
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Get your teeth cleaned and checked regularly.
Regular checkups and cleanings at the dentist are important for keeping oral problems from happening and finding them early. At these times, your dentist can clean your teeth, get rid of plaque and tartar, and look for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems.
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Brushing and flossing.
Plaque and food bits can cause cavities and gum disease. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day gets rid of these. Every day, you should floss and brush your teeth for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
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A good diet.
It is better for your teeth if you eat a healthy diet that is low in acid and sugar. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and drink fewer sugary drinks and snacks.
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Fluoride.
Fluoride makes tooth enamel stronger and helps keep diseases away. Check with your doctor to see if taking fluoride supplements is a good idea for you. Some water sources, toothpaste, and mouthwash have fluoride in them.
Take charge of your oral health.
If you know about the dental background of your family and take care of your own oral health, you can lower your risk of dental problems and keep your smile healthy for years to come.