Nature vs. Environment: How Do Genetics Impact Your Teeth & Oral Health?

Your genes determine your eye color, hair color, height, and they help signal your cells to create important proteins that keep your body functioning. However, a lot of people aren’t sure where their influence starts and stops in the body. More specifically, there’s a debate about whether or not they can also cause “bad teeth” to run in your family. Read on to learn more about the influence of your genes and whether or not they can increase your risk of dental discoloration, cavities, and other oral concerns.

What are Genes & How Can They Influence Your Oral Health?

A gene is a small section of DNA, and they come in a number of different versions for different features. For example, one version of a gene in your body may have instructions for blonde hair, while another may have instructions for brown hair. Certain genes can then be activated based on the environment in the cell, a person’s external environment, and other complex factors.

So, what does this have to do with your oral health? While genes can make you susceptible to having certain oral health issues, they don’t guarantee that you will develop them.

What Role Does the Environment & Habits Play in Oral Health?

You’ve likely heard of the term “nature versus nurture.” This can be applied to most genetics discussions in life, but especially this one! If your genes make you liable to having certain dental issues, like gum disease and cavities, then your diet, oral hygiene routine, and oral habits will play large roles in whether or not those issues actually develop.

Certain habits that can lead to declining oral health and cosmetic problems like tooth discoloration include:

• Sugary and starchy foods can increase your risk of dental health issues.
• A bad oral hygiene routine can lead to plaque and tartar build-up.
• Stress and mental health problems can lead to teeth grinding, which can cause dental damage.
• Oral habits like smoking and chewing tobacco can stain teeth.

Are Bad Teeth Hereditary?

In short, you can’t blame your oral health concerns solely on genetics, because there are many factors that play a role! Your genes alone cannot determine whether you get gum disease in your life or if your teeth look more discolored than your friend’s. There’s good news that comes from this, though! It’s the fact that you have some type of control over your dental health, and by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, visiting the dentist twice a year, and practicing good habits, you can help keep your smile refreshed and healthy.

About the Dentists

Drs. Graber and Tyler have combined decades of experience helping their patients maintain healthy, functional, and happy smiles. They focus on providing families with thorough preventive care to keep the small dental problems from progressing into larger ones down the road. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Dental Center of Huntington’s website or call 203-925-1911.