How Do Your Genes Affect Your Dental Health?
The affect of genes on teeth and gums.
There have been many different studies undertaken on the relationship between genetics and dental health.
Although some studies have concluded genes could affect certain aspects of dental health, other studies strongly suggest that lifestyle and dental habits are the deciding factor. We don’t know what the right answer to this is, here at Abbey Road, but we do know that lots of different things can affect your oral health, including your genes.
As with everything in life, the more you know the better, and it is a really good idea to understand all the different things that can affect your oral health. If you cannot control the affecting factor, you can get help managing its effects, or if you can control the affecting factor you can certainly improve your oral health that way. Here are some of the key areas that have an effect on your teeth and gums:
Genes
Genes can have an affect on your oral health, in lots of different ways. They may affect the structure of your jaw and teeth, for example, your mum and grandma might have a ‘gummy smile’ and so you might have that as well. You might also have an inherently ‘sweet tooth’, which can definitely contribute to tooth decay if it is not managed properly. Your tooth enamel may be affected as to how soft it is, how the bacteria in your mouth works and even how yellow your teeth are, may all be affected by your genes. The great news is, whatever your predisposition is, there are usually a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry treatments and management plans that can help.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle will have a massive effect on your oral health and there are several aspects of your lifestyle that will affect your oral health such as:
- Smoking – causes you to have more plaque, causes your gums to receive less oxygen, causes the cells in your mouth to mutate, increases your risk of tooth decay and increases your risk of getting oral cancer. 65% of oral cancer cases in the UK are caused by smoking according to Cancer Research UK.
- Drinking – around 30% of oral cancer cases related to lifestyle in the UK are caused by excessive drinking of alcohol (more than government guidelines). As a heavy drinker you are also more at risk of oral sores, tooth decay and gum disease as well.
- Malnutrition – not eating enough fruit and vegetables is apparently linked to over 50% of oral cancer cases in the UK. Various vitamin and mineral deficiencies have an affect on various aspects of oral health.
Health
Various aspects of your general health will have an affect on your oral health. For example, if you are pregnant your oral health will be affected. If you have cancer and are going through chemotherapy that will affect your oral health. The general state of your oral health will also have an effect on your general health as well, so the two work together very closely.
Oral Habits
The oral habits you practice everyday have a big effect on your oral health. Namely, brushing your teeth twice a day properly for at least two minutes, visiting Abbey Road Dental in St John’s Wood every 6 months or more dependent on your specific oral health needs, and working to manage other issues or factors that may be contributing to your oral health.
Please Speak To Abbey Road Dental About Your Oral Health
It is so important to remember that there are so many aspects of your oral health that are within your control to manage. Dentistry is so advanced now and there are many options for treatment when it comes to the majority of general and cosmetic dental issues. If you need to visit Abbey Road Dental for a checkup, or you would like to register at our friendly NW8 clinic, please call us on 02076241603 and we will be more than happy to help.
Your oral health is under your control, and here at Abbey Road Dental we can help you maintain a happy and healthy smile!