There are plenty of things you’d probably love to pass on to your child. They might be material things, like a home, or they might be abstract, like good moral character. In either case, something you’d probably prefer not to pass on would be gum disease or tooth decay. Yet according to dental science, you very well might.
Knowing which diseases your child might inherit can make a huge difference in the chances of those diseases affecting them seriously later in life. If you’re wondering whether bad teeth might run in the family, here’s a quick rundown of the conditions where genetics might play a role.
Gum Disease
Brushing and flossing are deeply important, in no small part because of their role in deterring gum disease. It can be very easy for bacteria to sneak under the gum line, leading to an infection. The trouble is that many people are genetically predisposed to suffer from the disease. For such people, the number of good bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth is outweighed by the bad. Infections like periodontitis can lead to gum irritation and tooth decay if they become severe, so if you’ve suffered from gum disease in the past, you should be on the lookout for symptoms in your child.
Crooked or Discolored Teeth
Your genetics contribute massively to the natural shape and color of your teeth. If you needed braces as a teenager, your child probably will too. Moreover, if you’ve found that your teeth stain unusually quickly, you may have thinner enamel than the average person. This could be due to age or bad hygiene, but it can also be genetic (and therefore heritable).
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer takes the lives of thousands of Americans every year. As is often the case with cancer, having had it in your family increases your likelihood of contracting the disease yourself. While not contributing as much as other risk factors like alcohol or tobacco, genetics can play an important role.
What You Can Do
If your child is predisposed to any of these conditions, you shouldn’t panic. After all, genes don’t absolutely determine that they’ll have problems with their teeth. In nearly every case, oral hygiene will make a bigger difference in their outcomes. With that in mind, here are a few things you can do for your child to better their chances:
- Have them brush and floss daily to stave off gum disease
- Ensure they’re eating a diet full of calcium and fluoride to promote healthy tooth
growthdevelopment - Limit their consumption of sticky, sugary, or acidic foods
- Schedule them for regular checkups to screen for gum disease, oral cancer, and other preventable conditions
You can’t do much about your genetics, but you can help your child stave off diseases that they may be predisposed to. At the end of the day, the most important things you can pass on to them are good habits. With those, your child should be just fine.
About Our Practice
At Capron Park Dental, we want to give your family whatever they need to have the best smiles possible. We keep our hours flexible so that, no matter your schedule, you can get the quality personalized care you deserve. We also provide an incredibly wide array of services, offering everything from routine cleanings to root canal therapy. If you have any questions about how to protect your family’s teeth, we can be reached via our website or by phone at (508) 222-5950.