Family 1st Dental – Wausa | Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

Most serious oral health issues can be prevented by maintaining an effective routine of dental hygiene and in-office care. However, you could be at higher risk for some oral illnesses due to hereditary factors. Awareness and proper treatment can help minimize these risks. Here are a few of the most common oral health concerns that are affected by genetics.

Family 1st Dental Near Me

Tooth decay – One of the most common oral issues, some tooth decay has been linked to a genetic deficiency of a protein called DEFB1. If your parents experienced an unusually high rate of tooth decay, then you may want to be more vigilant regarding your own dental care.

Oral cancer – Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Our doctor recommends annual oral cancer screening for early identification and treatment. In addition, certain lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Periodontal disease – Recent research has found that some forms of gum disease may be linked to mutations in genes that affect immunity and inflammatory response. 

Misaligned or supernumerary (extra) teeth – Genetics can play a role in having misaligned or even extra teeth. The size of your jaw is determined mostly through heredity, and is the most common reason for an overbite, underbite, or dental crowding.

Canker sores – In most cases, canker sores are an isolated reaction to fatigue, stress, or menstrual cycles. However, there are certain inherited diseases that count canker sores among their symptoms. Crohn’s disease and Celiac sprue are two such conditions.

While you may not be able to avoid hereditary oral health issues entirely, we can help minimize or even reverse their effects with proper treatment and care. If you suffer from any of these inherited conditions, contact our office for an oral health evaluation. Family 1st Dental Wausa can help.

Family 1st Dental of Wausa
Phone: (402) 586-2611
102 South Lincoln Street
Wausa, NE 68786

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Wausa Dental Office

Dentist Wausa

Wausa Location

102 N Lincoln,
Wausa, NE 68786

(402) 586-2611

first-family-dental-dr-img-1

Our Dental News

Dentist Wausa

The Benefits of Adding Flossing to Your Routine | Wausa Dentist

If your dentist in Wausa has reminded you time and again to start flossing, you may be wondering why it’s so important. While it may seem repetitive, flossing is an essential part of maintaining both your oral and overall health. […]

Learn More

The Optimal Oral Health Routine at Family 1st Dental – Wausa | Dentist Near Me

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental check-up, it’s time to prioritize your oral health again. While it may not be possible to achieve optimal oral health without professional care, the good news is that Family […]

Learn More

Discovering Cosmetic Dentistry at Family 1st Dental – Wausa | Dentist Near Me

Cosmetic dentistry is often misunderstood, as it isn’t recognized as an official dental specialty. However, many general dentists, including our skilled team at Family 1st Dental in Wausa, undergo extensive training and education to master the art of enhancing smiles. […]

Learn More