Have you ever wondered whether the quality of your dental health is entirely reliant on how you take care of your mouth? If you’ve suffered from frequent oral health problems like cavities, it may not be because of anything that you’re doing. Genetics play a huge role in your overall health, and that includes your teeth and gums. Read on to learn what genetics can determine about your dental wellbeing from your dentist in Reno.
Uncontrollable Food Cravings
Do you have a sweet tooth? No matter how hard you try to contain yourself, if your favorite candy or dessert is in front of you, it’s impossible to not eat it. If this sounds like you, it’s likely a factor determined by your genetics. Unfortunately, consuming excessive amounts of sweets puts your pearly whites at a high risk of developing cavities.
Harmful oral bacteria feed off of sugar found in your plaque. Afterward, they produce waste in the form of enamel-eroding acid and toxins that eat away at your protective tooth enamel and cause decay. If you’ve got an untamable sweet tooth, it’s important to thoroughly and frequently brush and floss to make up for your genetic characteristic.
Tooth Enamel Development
Due to genetics, some people’s tooth enamel either doesn’t fully develop, or it’s softer and weaker than others. Your enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth that protects the fragile and more vulnerable inner portion of it. If your enamel isn’t hard. It’s easier for acids in your mouth to eat away at your tooth, causing cavities and decay. Since genetics are a primary factor in the structure of your tooth enamel, they’ll likely determine whether you get frequent cavities.
The Strength of Your Saliva
Many people aren’t aware of how important of a role their saliva plays in stopping harmful oral bacteria from causing oral health problems. It works to constantly neutralize acids in your mouth and restore the pH to a normal value. It can do this because it contains important ingredients, including bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphate. Some people’s bodies have difficulty metabolizing these substances when they eat, which can result in weaker saliva that isn’t as effective at neutralizing acids.
Composition of Your Unique Microbiome
The key player of oral health problems is bad oral bacteria. Every person has several unique communities of bacteria in their body, called the microbiome. Your immune system is used to protecting your body against bad bacteria found in your microbiome, but certain diseases that affect your immune system can weaken your ability to fight these off, making it easier to develop serious issues such as gum disease.
When you first visit your dentist in Reno, they’ll ask you about your medical history so they know what problems to keep an eye out for each time you visit them for your semi-annual checkup and cleaning. They can also help you develop preventive measures to keep your mouth safe and healthy.
About the Practice
At Summit Boulevard Dental, we offer the expertise and specialized knowledge of a general dentist, endodontist, and an oral surgeon. That way, no matter what our patients’ needs are, they have access to a highly-trained professional that will provide them with personalized treatment. Whether our patients require a regular checkup and cleaning or need emergency care, we offer comprehensive services under one roof for added convenience. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 775-683-3008.