![A close-up of a person with bad teeth](https://www.drjohnupton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AdobeStock_301149864__1___1717479357_56231.jpg)
Like most, you probably know a few traits you inherited from your parents. Maybe you have your dad’s hair color, or your face looks similar to your mom’s. So, it’s not hard to wonder if ancestry also affects oral health. Family genes affect the whole body, so your pearly whites should be part of that setup. Luckily, your Glendale dentist can help you answer that question. Here’s how you can inherit bad teeth from your family and what to do about it.
How Can Bad Teeth Be Inherited?
As it turns out, your genes can raise your risk for certain tooth-related issues. Based on which ones you inherit, they could contribute to:
Yellowed Teeth
A mix of genes and environment sets your natural tooth color. For example, how your enamel forms mainly stems from your genetics. You could be born with a naturally thin layer of it, leading to teeth that seem more yellow. That said, this layer could also result from natural wear and tear.
Crooked/Misaligned Teeth
Your genes can impact your smile’s alignment by determining your jaw size. Whether a jawbone is big or small may lead to dental crowding, gaps, and various bite problems. In fact, having a family member with these issues makes you more likely to have them as well.
Tooth Decay
Since they control how teeth develop, some genes could raise your risk of tooth decay. They may lead to a tooth not forming properly and being less bacteria-resistant. You’d then be more likely to get a severe cavity if you aren’t careful.
What Should You Do About the Issue?
Some genes may raise your risk for bad teeth, but they don’t make that outcome inevitable. You can still get and keep a nice smile with the right tricks. In particular, consider using the ones below:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: To make your smile clean and pretty, brush your teeth twice daily, floss them once daily, and rinse with mouthwash.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits: Habits like smoking tobacco can stain your teeth and cause oral cancer. For that reason, stick to other activities.
- Stay Away from Sugar: Sugary foods can cause tooth decay and cavities. To avoid that outcome, don’t eat much of them and consider “mouth-healthy” alternatives instead.
- See Your Dentist: By seeing your dentist for twice-yearly checkups, you can prevent oral issues before they fully take root.
While you can inherit bad teeth from your family, that only applies if you don’t act. Therefore, remember to use these tips and tricks so you don’t get your parents’ smile flaws.
About the Practice
Arrowhead Dentistry is based in Glendale, AZ. Led by Dr. John H. Upton, Jr., our practice offers comprehensive dentistry as part of a holistic approach to dental care. That means you can trust us to provide preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency oral treatments. We also seek to educate patients on risks and lifestyle habits that can damage oral health over time. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (623)-878-6333.