Will My Family History of Bad Teeth Continue With Me?

When looking at family photos from years or even decades ago, do you notice that your aunts, uncles, mom, dad, and even grandparents had “bad teeth” early on? Do you suddenly fear that your smile will take on these traits? Is it true that bad teeth can run in the family? The only way to find out the answer is to hear from a qualified dentist who can better explain what can happen and what you can do to reduce your risk.   

Is Dental Health Hereditary?

It is possible that you can blame genetics for certain problems or issues you might be experiencing; however, this is not always the case. While it is true that you cannot control how your teeth grow and ultimately form, you can control how they remain protected and how well you take care of your smile.

Your oral habits are yours and yours alone, so you cannot blame anyone else. Even if your brother or uncle has bad breath and frequent cavities, it doesn’t mean you have to.

There are a few things that genetics can take the blame for, such as:

• The shape and development of your teeth and bite
• Gum disease (to a degree)
• Tooth decay (to a degree)

It’s important to note that while you may have a predisposition to a certain oral health problem, it doesn’t guarantee that it will happen to you. Other factors can play a role in the state and future of your oral health (i.e., environment, diet, mental health, oral hygiene routine, etc.).

Ways to Minimize Your Chances of Developing Bad Teeth

If you want to make sure that you are keeping your teeth in the best possible shape, you’ll need to practice a few helpful steps to ensure that you do not fall into the same trap as members of your family:

• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing regularly to keep decay and bacteria out.
• Seeing your dentist every six months for dental checkups and cleanings.
• Seeking professional treatment should you discover a problem that needs to be addressed.
• Wearing proper mouth protection while playing sports, or if you struggle with teeth grinding while you sleep.
• Eating a healthier diet full of nutrient-rich foods and avoiding as much sugar and starch as possible.
• Giving up bad habits like smoking, using tobacco, eating ice, and chewing on pens and pencils.

Having bad teeth doesn’t have to be your future. You can break the cycle by committing to caring for your smile in such a way that you look forward to what lies ahead for your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

About the Practice
Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry provides high-quality preventive care to patients in the area. Delivering safe, effective, and comfortable dentistry is our goal, so no matter if you need a general checkup and cleaning, fluoride treatment, or a customized nightguard for bruxism, we can deliver top-notch results. Visit our website to learn what we can do to help you see a healthier smile.