What Role Does Genetics Play in Getting a Cavity?
By Daniel Klein | Published on March 19, 2010 | 0 Comments
Your genetic makeup has already predisposed you to a lot of characteristics that shape who you are. Without any assistance from contacts or salon professionals, before you were even born you were given certain color eyes and hair. Your genetics also play a part in how you handle certain things in life as well, like weight gain for instance. I’m sure you’ve seen people who can eat anything they please all day and not gain a pound, while others are left counting calories without really seeing the results they are hoping for.
Surprisingly, the likelihood of developing cavities is pretty similar as well. According to Daniel Klein D.D.S. who owns a family dental practice in New York, genetics can and do play an important role in your dental health. It’s not uncommon for some people who have excellent dental routines to get a lot of cavities, while others with a minimal hygiene regimen get few, he says.
Why does this happen? For the most part, says Klein, the factors that influence cavity formation are the composition of saliva and the biting surface of the teeth. Some people, who have a lot of bicarbonate in their saliva, can neutralize acids more effectively. And those who have deep grooves on the biting surface of their teeth are predisposed to get more cavities than people who have minimal grooves, or no grooves in their teeth at all. For the genetic pattern of grooves in your teeth, Klein says that using sealants can definitely help ward off cavities, because the material fills in the grooves where the cavities may form.
Whether your genetics leaves you prone to getting cavities or not, Klein says it is important to remember that cavities are only caused by three things:
- Bacterial acids which are found naturally in your mouth from being a warm, dark, moist area
- Food acids from the things that you consume on a daily basis
- Abrasions from trauma or brushing
You can easily minimize the acids in your mouth by brushing and flossing every day, he says. And it is also a wise idea to limit the amount of soda you drink, stay away from citrus products, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush every day. If you diligently follow these guidelines, then you can almost guarantee that you will be able to limit your susceptibility to future cavities, Klein adds.
It’s also a good idea to inform your dentist of your hygiene routine at home and your diet. Once he knows a little more about you dental health from a personal standpoint, and has examined your teeth thoroughly, he can determine if you are a good candidate for dental sealants. He can also give you advice on how you can tweak your daily routine and let you know if he feels you are a candidate for cavities in the near future.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.