Almost every aspect of your oral health is affected to a degree by your genes; the size and shape of your mouth, and bone structure is inherited. Crooked teeth are usually passed down from generation to generation, but the bad oral care habits of previous generations do not cause you to have bad teeth.
If you've ever wondered why it seems as if you have a cavity forming every time you go to the dentist, the answer very well may be because of your genes. According to research, about 60 percent of tooth decay appears to involve genetic factors.
All of those factors are strongly influenced by genetics — so if you have your mom's lips, that may also mean you have your mom's teeth. That could mean inheriting a straight set of teeth from your parents, but it could also mean inheriting some unattractive crookedness that you may need to correct with braces.
Genes play a part
Teeth, like other parts of your body, can be a combination of your genes. And, like other genetic body things, they don't have to be directly from your parents, either. Good teeth could be handed down from our grandparents, even if your mother's and your father's teeth are not that perfect.
Believe it or not, only 35 percent of adults have perfect teeth.
By creating an acidic environment in your mouth, bacteria erode tooth enamel. Everyone has saliva as a natural defense against these bacteria; however, some people have enough nutrients in their saliva to remineralize the teeth enough to stop cavities in their tracks.
Teeth can be more susceptible to tooth decay due to genetics – but it is largely environmental. We get a lot of people saying that their teeth are weak, and they think they have inherited this from parents. This is untrue in the majority of cases.
Therefore, if you've bad teeth, there are effective restorative options available to repair them. Having bad teeth is common, but they can have lifelong damaging effects not just on your smile, but overall mouth functioning as well.
Once the teeth are in an unhealthy condition, using mouthwash can help restore the enamel by remineralizing it – thus helping the teeth to be strong and healthy again. Making the teeth healthy again once they go through a damaging process, can be difficult but that doesn't mean that it isn't possible.
A condition is considered Y-linked if the altered gene that causes the disorder is located on the Y chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes in each of a male's cells. Because only males have a Y chromosome, in Y-linked inheritance, a variant can only be passed from father to son.
Others may attribute “soft teeth” to their family history, which makes them believe their gene pool makes them more vulnerable to cavities and decay. The truth is — you are in control of your own oral health and teeth.
Sugary and starchy snacks contribute to decay, and sugary drinks like cola, sweet tea, energy drinks, and sports drinks are even worse. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid sugary drinks to reduce your risk of cavities.
Teeth Around the World: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
With a DMFT (decayed, missing, or filled teeth) index score of 0.4, Danish citizens have pretty perfect teeth. Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the UK all have scores below 1.0, making them the five countries with the healthiest teeth.
Though good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing helps in preventing cavities, you may still get cavities. The reasons can be many, like the spaces between teeth that easily trap food, consuming too much cavity-causing foods and beverages, avoiding regular professional-level cleanings and checkups, etc.
Yes, some people are more prone to cavities. This can stem from a variety of factors, some of which are within your control, such as diet. Other factors, such as tooth shape or dry mouth, may be unavoidable, but can sometimes be addressed with more diligent dental hygiene or other measures.
Dentists will always try to save a tooth when it's possible, but teeth that are too badly damaged may need to be removed to maintain your oral health. If you notice a problem with any of your teeth, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Home > Tips for Healthier Teeth > It's Never Too Late
Whether your teeth are already exhibiting a yellowish-tinge or suffering from extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages, it's never too late for you to improve your personal dental care routine.
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold. Visible holes or pits in your teeth. Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth. Pain when you bite down.
More than 90 percent of American adults have cavities in their permanent teeth. More than 25 percent of American adults have untreated dental decay. And adults have an average of three or more missing or permanent teeth.
Some people have softer tooth enamel than others. The softer the enamel, the easier it is for bacteria to do their excavation, leading to cavities. Because genes are the primary determinant of enamel structure, they have a big effect on whether you get tooth decay.
Genetics Can Affect the Appearance of the Teeth
And in fact, genetics can impact the color of a person's teeth. Thicker, whiter enamel can run in families, just as more transparent tooth enamel can be inherited. Many people have genetically yellow teeth that don't respond well to store-bought whiteners or toothpastes.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
Few people make it through life without at least one cavity. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, and everyone is at some risk. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize your risk.
Cavities are one of the most common health problems. Over 90% of adults in the US have had at least one cavity in their mouth. On average, adult patients have had around 3-4 cavities in their lifetime.