How Much Of Oral Health Is Genetic?

Can you inherit dental problems? Do you feel you have ‘bad teeth’ because of your family history?

Genetics is indeed related to oral health, but not all issues can be attributed to it. Your risks of developing dental problems, such as gum disease, can increase if it runs in the family. But, environmental influences, such as smoking, can have a larger impact than the traits passed on to you. (1)

Let’s talk more about dental problems that can be hereditary and how you can safeguard your oral health.

1. Teeth misalignment.

Malocclusion means the teeth don’t align properly when you close your mouth. It comes in different types, which include overbite and underbite.

Overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the bottom front teeth. An underbite is its opposite condition. It occurs when the lower teeth are further forward than the upper teeth, mimicking a bulldog appearance.

Malocclusion can result in speech and chewing problems. It can also impact the facial profile and lead to breathing through the mouth rather than the nose.

Your dentist or orthodontist needs to understand the reason for the misalignment because genetics can be a contributing but not the sole factor. Both genes and environmental factors can influence a person’s bite. (2)

Separating inherited from the environment-related bite can help diagnose, treat, and prevent bite issues not only for the affected person but possibly for their next generations, as well. (2)

Genetic factors can also affect the results of orthodontic procedures, such as braces. A poor bite related to genetics is thought to be less responsive to treatment than that linked to environmental causes. (3)

2. Tooth loss.

Hypodontia or dental agenesis, one of the most common malformations that begin from birth, is also associated with genetics. It’s a collective term for conditions involving missing teeth.

A person can be born without one or several teeth. Hypodontia is also connected to cleft lip and palate, delayed formation, and delayed teeth eruption, among many others. (4)

In most cases, the condition affects the permanent teeth. (5) But while hypodontia can be genetic, it can also be caused by environmental factors, such as trauma to the area and infection.

People with missing teeth may experience difficulties chewing and speaking. They may also be more prone to periodontal damage and bone deterioration. (6) Dentures, dental implants, and removable prostheses are potential treatment options for individuals with hypodontia. (7, 8)

3. Facial shape and anomalies

Your parent’s lifestyle activities can influence your development as a fetus. (9) High levels of prenatal alcohol exposure can affect facial development. Children born with fetal alcohol syndrome disorders can develop facial abnormalities. (10)

Aside from environmental influences, genetics can also impact facial appearance. Down syndrome and cleft lip or palate are among the facial abnormalities linked to the genes. (9)

Some facial abnormalities, such as cleft lip or palate, can be corrected with surgery to restore normal lip and mouth function.

Monitoring jaw and mouth development through regular dental checkups are crucial. Your dental and medical team can provide support in several areas, including speech and feeding advice.

4. Oral cancer

Genetics plays a role in the development of oral cancer, especially on the tongue and inner lining of the cheeks (buccal mucosa). (11)

People with conditions due to inherited gene defects are also highly-susceptible to mouth and middle throat cancer. (12)

But genes are only one risk factor for oral cancer. Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll contract the disease. While you can’t change your family history, there are aspects you can control, such as your lifestyle.

Tobacco use remains the leading risk factor for oral cancer. Taking oral cancer screening is crucial in early detection and higher chances of successful treatments.

Your oral health isn’t all about your genes

The condition of your mouth isn’t entirely hereditary, even if previous generations have had bad teeth. You can still keep your smile as healthy as possible.

Dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits.

And even if your family has a good dental and medical health history, you’ll still need regular dental checkups and cleanings. Not all symptoms of potential issues are visible when you look in the mirror, nor do they cause pain all the time.

Blaming genes won’t change a thing, but paying more attention to dental care can. Brush and floss daily, maintain a healthy diet, and see your dentist regularly to keep your oral health in good condition.

Schedule regular dental checkups in Calgary, Alberta

If you’re in Calgary, Alberta, and are looking for a new dentist or need dental checkups and cleanings, we invite you to our practice at Centennial Smiles Dental.

We’re open Mondays to Saturdays and we offer direct billing and financing options. Check out this virtual office of our office.

Speak to one of our team members today at (587) 317-7959 for more information on our booking process. We’re happy to assist you with your dental care inquiries.

Sources:

1. Genetics and Oral Health, American Dental Association https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/genetics-and-oral-health#
2. Genetics of Dentofacial and Orthodontic Abnormalities https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7938796/#
3. Genetics and Orthodontics https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336103057_Genetics_and_Orthodontics
4. Genetic basis of dental agenesis - molecular genetics patterning clinical dentistry https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015040/>
5. Tooth Agenesis https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anodontia/#
6. Congenitally missing teeth (hypodontia): A review of the literature concerning the etiology, prevalence, risk factors, patterns and treatment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4336964/
7. Dental implants in patients with ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis: a critical review of the literature https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19548409/
8. Facial Genetics: A Brief Overview https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6198798/
9. Updated Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27464676/
10. New Insights into Oral Cancer—Risk Factors and Prevention: A Review of Literature https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8000242/
11. Risk Factors for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html