Have you ever thought about why some people’s smiles look so great all the time while others are always fighting teeth and gum disease? There may be more to the answer than just brushing and cleaning.
Our genes, which are like building blocks for our bodies, have a big impact on our oral health. By learning about your family’s dental past, you can learn a lot about the risks to your own oral health and take steps to protect your smile.
If you need a dentist in Valley Village to help you keep your teeth in good shape, you might want to talk to a professional who can give you personalized care and advice.
The influence of genetics on oral health.
Our DNA, the special code that makes us who we are, affects many parts of our oral health, such as:
- Tooth development.
Your genes decide how and why your teeth are strong. What keeps cavities away is the hard enamel on top of your teeth. Dentin can get smaller in some people because of changes in these genes. This makes them more likely to get cavities.
- Makeup of saliva.
Saliva, which is the body’s natural cleaner, is very good for oral health because it gets rid of food particles, neutralizes acids, and builds up tooth enamel. Variables in genes can change the flow rate, pH level, and antibiotic properties of spit. Some of these things can make us more or less likely to get cavities, dry mouth, and other oral health issues.
- The immune system.
These germs are bad for us and can cause gum disease. Our immune system helps keep us safe from them. Some people are more likely to get gum disease and illnesses because of changes in their genes that affect how strong and well their immune systems work.
Family history can be a window into your oral health future.
You can find out about possible oral health risks that may be passed down through generations by looking into your family’s dental background. Here are some things you can ask your family:
- Did they have a lot of teeth or gum disease?
- Did they lose their teeth too soon?
- Did they have any problems with their teeth as they were growing up, like them being out of place or too crowded?
- Did they need braces or other dental care?
You can make a preventive care plan with your dentist that fits your needs and lowers your risk of tooth problems if you know about the oral health background of your family.
Take control of your oral health.
Genes can affect our oral health, but they do not decide what will happen to us. It does not matter what your genes say about your oral health. If you start doing good things and work closely with your dentist, you can make big changes. These are some important plans:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride, and floss once a day to keep your mouth healthy. It will get rid of plaque and food particles that can harm your teeth and gums.
- If you eat and drink less sugary things, you may be less likely to get cavities. A lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good for your teeth and other parts of your body.
- If you get your teeth cleaned and checked by the dentist regularly, you can find and treat any oral health problems early on.
- Tooth enamel gets stronger with fluoride, and it also helps keep diseases away. Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments, such as fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, or applications done by a dentist.
- Your dentist may suggest other steps, such as tooth coats, mouthguards, or professional teeth cleaning, based on your unique needs.
You have a much better chance of having a healthy, beautiful smile if you know how genes affect oral health and take care to keep your mouth clean.
Never forget that your oral health is a mix of your genes and the way you live your life. In order to have a healthy smile for life, you can take care of your oral health and work with your dentist.
