Brushing and flossing your teeth properly is an important part of oral care to keep your teeth healthy and free of decay. However, oral hygiene habits aren’t the only factors that determine a mouth free of tooth decay. Did you know that your genetics also affect your oral health and predisposition to healthy teeth?
A family dentist in Monterey will have the oral history of your family on file. This way, they can determine the oral problems you are at risk of because of genetics. Your dentist will use your family dental history to take preventative measures to protect your mouth from inherited problems. Here’s how family dentistry is important in keeping your teeth and the teeth of your family healthy:
Tooth Composition
Some individuals have softer tooth enamel, the tooth’s outer covering that protects it from bacteria. While tooth enamel is the body’s strongest part, people have different enamel strengths. Those who have softer enamel are prone to damage like tooth cracks and chips. Also, they are susceptible to wear and dental cavities. The strength of your tooth enamel is hereditary and your dentist may want to take it into account.
Saliva
External factors like the food you eat and any health problems can affect your saliva composition. Also, your saliva has a genetically determined chemical composition. While you may not frequently think of why your saliva is important, it’s an important part of oral health. It cleanses your mouth of food particles to prevent bacteria from building up. Also, saliva helps metabolize elements like calcium and potassium to ensure their proper use by the body. Your saliva composition, including its ability to metabolize such nutrients, is genetically determined.
Food Preferences
Your tastes are usually genetic. You are predisposed to liking some flavors over others. This is the reason some people prefer sweets while others opt for salty snacks. Also, there are environmental factors to this because some people raised in a house where sweet foods are usually available will develop a taste for them. Your family dentist can talk to everyone in this family and discuss how sugar consumption can impact oral health.
Tooth and Jaw Shape
The shape of your jaw and your teeth’s development are inherited, including the shape, size, and position. Although other factors can change this, the position and shape of your teeth and jaw are based on genetics. A problem with the position of your jaw or teeth can lead to an uneven bite that can cause jaw pain, tooth wear, neuromuscular issues, and increased cavities. Your dentist can recommend braces or Invisalign to correct such issues.
