Hearing that you have your mother or father’s smile can give you a sense of pride in your appearance and attachment to your family. However, many people may find that they also inherit their parents’ oral health problems such as increased tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s a brief guide to a few genetic conditions that can complicate your oral health and how regular appointments with your dentist can help you keep your smile bright, clean, and well.
Type I Diabetes
Diabetes is a common medical condition that affects the body’s ability to produce insulin, which is the hormone it uses to regulate its blood sugar levels, and many people are born with this problem due to genetic factors. Unfortunately, diabetes also hinders your body’s ability to fight infections, which makes it harder to prevent gum disease. To make matters worse, the stress of fighting gum disease can strain the endocrine system and exacerbate your diabetes symptoms, resulting in a vicious cycle of worsening health issues.
Inform your dentist if you have type I or type II diabetes so they can develop your treatment plan accordingly. In either case, excellent oral hygiene at home is necessary to preserve your oral health.
Dental Misalignments
Misaligned teeth can be harder to clean and easier to injure, which can lead to dental damage, oral infections, and even gum injuries. While misalignments like overbites, underbites, gaps, and crossbites can result from previous oral injuries and infections, they are usually caused by genetic factors that cause the teeth to grow out of place. For example, having a small mouth can leave insufficient space for the teeth to emerge properly.
Dental misalignment make it especially important to see your dentist regularly so they can help you keep your mouth clean, and they may refer you to an orthodontist to have the issue resolved for good.
Discoloration
The appearance of human teeth depends on the slightly translucent bluish-white enamel outer layer and the yellowish dentin layer beneath it, resulting in most healthy teeth having a slightly yellowish-white color. However, your teeth may seem excessively yellow if you are genetically predisposed to thin or weak enamel, and some people inherit genetic conditions that can even leave their smile with a brownish or greyish shade. Luckily, dentists can treat these issues with cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers.
Don’t let your genetics detract from your beautiful and healthy smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve your ideal grin.
About the Practice
River Station Dentistry offers the most outstanding oral healthcare available to the community of Montpelier. Led by Drs. Andrew Hale and Sally Bishko, the staff ensures that each patient receives compassionate care with exemplary courtesy in a warm and comforting office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about your oral health, contact the office online or dial (802) 223-2244.