Genetics and Your Teeth

Good Asheville dental care is an important adjunct to heredity.

Some people floss and brush regularly and still wind up with cavities, while others who take little notice of their dental hygiene rarely experience any problems. It doesn’t seem fair. But then, often little of what you become has any basis in justice.

Instead, you can thank your parents and their parents for a great majority of your physical traits. Getting cavities is one of those markers that are vastly determined by your genes. Researchers at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine found that close to 60 percent of the risk for developing tooth decay comes from your genetic makeup.

Genetic Dispositions Lead to Tooth Decay

While the study of genetics is still in the beginning stages of in-depth research, scientists have identified five areas that affect tooth decay that seem to be imbedded in the genes.

1. Sweet Aversion
   Apparently, humans are born with — or without — a propensity for sweets. At a very young age, you can tell which children have elevated desires for candy and which can live without it. Those who crave sweets are more prone to tooth decay even when they receive extraordinary Asheville dental care.
2. Tastes and Teeth
   Studies have shown that genes contribute to your ability to taste. What some people love doesn’t entice others at all. The research is early on this genetic marker; however, they believe that taste sensations also are linked to a desire for all things sweet.
3. Saliva Issues
   Saliva plays an important role in healthy dental hygiene. Your saliva processes those vital nutrients such as potassium and calcium that help you develop strong tooth enamel. Since genes play a significant role in saliva composition, how well your spit works at processing these elements can make all the difference between healthy and problematic Asheville dental care.
4. Enamel Strength
   Genes play a direct role in how strong your enamel is, especially as you mature. Soft, porous teeth with low-density enamel are more prone to cavities. Bacteria easily find its way into the tiny pores in your teeth when you’ve inherited weak enamel.
5. Are You Immune?
   Finally, your immune system, and how well your body fights off the ravages of bacteria, is something that you inherit. A stronger biological immune system can stave off the many microbes that live in the mouth. A weaker immune system puts you at higher risk of developing more tooth decay.

Asheville Dental Warnings

Just because your genes place you at a lower risk of developing tooth decay doesn’t mean you should give up on your hygiene practices. As a matter of fact, the exact opposite is true. Dental care and regular brushing helps anyone prevent tooth decay. On the other hand, if you do get a cavity, remember that it may not mean that you didn’t floss properly. How you take care of your mouth absolutely affects your risk factors — and the number of cavities you get.

Asheville dental care always begins and ends with:

• Fluoride in your water, toothpaste, mouthwash and during dentist visits
• A decrease in the amount of candy and sugary drinks you consume
• Twice daily brushing
• Daily flossing
• Bi-annual teeth cleaning

—The Zöe Dental Team