The Role Of Genetics In Dental Health

Genetic characteristics can be seen in our mouth and teeth as in our whole body. For example, many variables, such as the shape of our teeth, the thickness of the enamel, or our predisposition to dental and gum diseases, can be explained by genetic factors. Of course, genetics cannot be responsible for every condition related to our oral and dental health, but knowing the direct or indirect effects of genetic factors can give us an idea about how we should approach any dental problem.

In this article, we will examine the role of genetics in dental health. To this end, we will first discuss genetic factors in tooth structure. Then, we will discuss some oral and dental problems related to genetic factors. Finally, we will mention some treatments given to patients against oral and dental health problems based on genetic factors.

Genetics And Tooth Structure

One of the most obvious manifestations of genetic conditions in dentistry is the overall dental structure of patients. The effects of genetic factors on our tooth structure can be of several types:

Number Of Teeth: 

Normally, an adult human being should have 32 teeth. However, due to genetic factors, this number may vary in some people.

Tooth Shape: 

Some families may have distinctive tooth shapes that are passed down through generations. For example, some people may have large and well-rooted teeth, while others have thinner and smaller teeth.

Tooth Enamel:

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in our body. It is a natural shield that protects our teeth against external factors. Due to genetic factors, some people have thicker enamel with richer minerals. As a result, these people’s teeth are more resistant to cavities.

Tooth Traits:

Another genetically determined characteristic is the path of the teeth in the jawbone and the angle at which they erupt. As a result of this genetic determination, some people’s teeth are in proper order and harmony, while others suffer from crowded or crooked teeth.

Genetics And Dental Diseases

Diseases are part of human nature; like some other health problems, dental disorders can be linked to genetic factors. Here are some common dental issues that can be partly or completely explained by genetic predisposition:

Tooth Decay:

Tooth decay, which is one of the first problems that come to mind when it comes to dental problems, is closely related to the thickness of the tooth enamel and the mineral density it contains. People with genetically weak enamel may tend to have tooth decay sooner than other people.

Periodontal (Gum) Diseases:

Gums are the tissues that support the teeth and diseases in these tissues can cause tooth loss. Although environmental factors play a significant role, the health of the gums is also related to our general immune system. Therefore, people with a genetically strong immune system can be expected to have relatively fewer gum problems.

Dental Cysts And Tumors:

Dental cysts and tumors can cause infections and tooth loss. Although not as common as other problems, it is known that genetic mutations may play a role in such problems.

Tooth Anomalies:

The oral and dental health problems where genetic factors are most prominent are anomalies such as cleft palate and cleft lip. Although rare, these problems, where we can hardly see environmental factors, can pose major problems for some patients.

Which Treatments Are Applied Against Problems Caused By Genetic Reasons?

Although oral and dental health problems based on genetic factors reduce the chance of intervention beforehand, it does not mean that they cannot be treated later. Here are the treatment methods commonly used in solving genetically caused dental problems:

Orthodontic Treatments:

Dentistry works hard to eliminate orthodontic problems stemming from genetic factors. To this end, many orthodontic treatment methods ranging from transparent brackets to jaw surgery are applied. Recently, they have attracted attention with high success rates. 

Protheses

We mentioned above that tooth loss and missing teeth can be genetic. However, the replacement of missing teeth provides patients with great functional and aesthetic comfort. Prosthetic treatments are a great way to help patients with missing teeth. Patients’ missing teeth can be successfully replaced with partial or complete prostheses. Specifically, dental implant treatment is very common in dental clinics.

Teeth Whitening:

Genetic factors can cause color changes such as yellowing or darkening of the teeth. Such aesthetically challenging problems can be solved with advanced teeth whitening techniques. There are more and more people opting for teeth whitening or teeth bleaching treatments nowadays.

Laminate And Fillings

Porcelain veneers, also known as veneers, and dental fillings produced from healthy materials eliminate functional and aesthetic problems based on genetic reasons.

Periodontology Treatments:

Periodontology treatments are applied to patients whose gum health is genetically threatened, aiming to provide patients with a healthier and more beautiful smile.

Genetic Tests

It is always better to take preventive measures to avoid dental problems. Today, genetic tests can be used to detect diseases to which patients are predisposed in terms of dental health. Personalized treatment plans can be created accordingly. Following preventive treatments, patients can enjoy healthier and better-looking teeth.

Conclusion

To summarize, many factors such as tooth structure, size, immune system, etc. can be related to genetic factors. However, a genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean that we will have these problems. Likewise, not having a genetic predisposition to any dental problem does not mean that we will never have any oral or dental health problems. Therefore, we should try to provide the best care for our dental health by considering environmental factors and genetic factors altogether.

Today, thanks to developing technology and increasing treatment opportunities, many genetic or environmental oral and dental health problems can be solved effectively. Aesthetic procedures such as implants, orthodontic interventions, or teeth whitening give many patients the beautiful and confident smile of their dreams.

As Melsadent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we offer our valued patients long-lasting and healthy dental health as well as an aesthetic smile. With the comprehensive solutions we offer, we accurately diagnose your genetic or environmental problems and bring you together with the most effective treatment as soon as possible. 

With the advanced dental technology used at Melsadent, you can get tests and evaluations from our expert team about the dental problems you are genetically predisposed to. Thus, you can achieve more effective results with highly personalized treatment plans. You can visit our clinic immediately or contact us via phone and internet to meet our dentists who have been successfully serving in Tuzla, Istanbul for many years and get the teeth you have dreamed of.