.jpg)
.jpg)
Genetics plays a vital role in your life. Along with the risks of developing certain diseases, health of your teeth & gums is also governed by your genes.
Poorly aligned teeth, crooked teeth, small jaws, susceptibility to caries, potential to develop gingivitis & periodontitis can pass on from one generation to other.
To know the prevalence of your dental health risks, one must be enlightened about the risk factors which have been passing on from generation to generation. Also, you must be aware of inheriting increased risk of dental problems like:
Dental caries:
It is believed that susceptibility to dental decay is a common trait which passes on from one generation to another. Approximately 30-50% caries combining genetic variation along with environmental variation in the permanent dentition is attributable to genes. Also, the incidence of dental decay increases due to inherited disorders of tooth development, immune system & salivary flow.
So, if you feel that your children are at high risk for dental caries, pit & fissure sealants & fluoride treatments may help in interception of decay & make sure to visit your dentist for regular dental check up.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is inflammation of gums & supporting structures of teeth due to bacterial infection. Approximately 50% periodontal disease susceptibility is attributed to genetics. In the early stages of gum disease, gum appear red, inflamed & tend to bleed easily. Whereas, in advanced stages gums along with supporting structures are affected, which lead to bone loss & if left untreated eventually result in tooth loss.
Early diagnosis, prevention & treatment can protect your gums & teeth.
Amelogenesis imperfecta & dentinogenesis imperfecta
Mutations in the proteins in the enamel have been found to cause amelogenesis imperfecta.
Amelogenesis imperfecta presents with abnormal formation of the enamel (outermost layer of teeth). Patients with amelogenesis imperfecta presents with abnormal tooth color like yellow, grey or brown. Also, both the dentitions (primary & permanent) can be affected by this disorder. Teeth become hypersensitive to temperature changes along with fast attrition.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a tooth development genetic disorder. Teeth with this order are weaker than normal making them more prone to wear & breakage.
Treatment of both the genetic disorders includes preventive & restorative care along with esthetic considerations.
Malocclusion
Genetics play a key role in determining the jaw size, crowding, teeth size, deepbite, overbite & crossbite.
If misalignment of teeth is a common problem in your family, you probably have chances to inherit one. Patients with misaligned teeth should contact their orthodontist to intercept the problem & allow the teeth to erupt at proper position.
Despite the link with genetics, good oral hygiene practices, diet & routine dental check up can help in interception of caries & gum diseases. Good dental care habits lead you to enjoy a healthy smile, despite the fact what may be lasting for a long time in your family medical history.
