As parents, we all scold our children to brush their teeth in order to maintain a healthy smile, but is some of their dental health out of their control and instead the result of genetics? Dental professionals like Dr. Speaks know the myriad factors that determine the health of teeth and the mouth as a whole. While brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash can all protect teeth, some conditions are inevitable as a result of inherited traits.

What Are Some Of The Passed-Down Traits?

The size and shape of the mouth, the presence of overcrowded teeth, and the risk of developing oral cancer are all traits that are passed down. A misaligned jaw can lead to problems such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) pain, crowded and crooked teeth can make it difficult to brush off all the plaque on the surface, and the presence of a gene mutation or oncogenes can increase the risk of cancerous cell growth. At-home dental hygiene alone cannot identify and mitigate the damage caused by these conditions, so it is important to consult a dental professional. A professional cleaning performed every six months cannot only eliminate tartar buildup, but professionals are also trained to check for oral cancers and tooth sensitivity caused by bite alignment.

What To Do

The genetic component of dental health can be managed through orthodontic care. Braces, Invisalign®, and retainers can shape and hold the smile in a healthy position that reduces crookedness and jaw misalignment. Orthodontists like Dr. Speaks also have the expertise to safely and painlessly remove problem teeth.