Many people wonder if they inherited “bad teeth” from their parents and assume they are doomed to lose their teeth, regardless of what they do. So they don’t even try to take care of their teeth. However, the good news is that although genetics can play a part in your oral health, particularly in the case of gum disease, most of your oral health is directly under your control. You get to choose how healthy your teeth are! Proper dietary habits, brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist Dr. Bailey at North River Dental Care will make an enormous difference over a lifetime.
Many factors play a part in your oral health: your preference for sweets, your taste ability, the strength of your saliva, cleaning habits, and your microbiome (a collection of microbes and organisms of the human body) all contribute.
The Research on Genetics & Tooth Decay
The bacteria that live in your mouth make up your microbiome, and the way your individual immunity responds to these microbiomes is part of the genetic factors that may help determine your risk for tooth decay.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk for Tooth Decay?
The other factors which determine your risk for tooth decay include diet, smoking habits, brushing and flossing frequency, and dental visits. Sugary drinks such as sodas, sports drinks and energy drinks are big contributing factors to tooth decay, even more so than eating sugar-laden treats. This is because these drinks not only contain large amounts of sugar, they also contain high amounts of acid. The sugar and acids bathe your teeth, causing them to crumble and rot.
Visiting Dr. Bailey regularly for dental check ups and teeth cleanings will help prevent tooth decay and tooth loss, even if you are at a high risk for tooth decay. At North River Dental Care, our first goal is always to try to prevent cavities and tooth decay from ever occurring in the first place. To do this we recommend regular cleanings and examinations, fluoride treatments, dental sealants and proper home care instructions.
If you already have tooth decay and/or gum disease, all is not lost! Mild to moderate tooth decay can be fixed with fillings. Extensive decay can often be remedied with root canal therapy and dental crowns. Gum disease can be actively managed with in office therapies and a proper, frequent care regimen. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bailey today to find out how you can get a healthy and clean smile.
