Is Poor Oral Health Hereditary?

February 28, 2022

If you’ve had oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, you may have wondered if your oral health was hereditary. We know that some diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, and conditions, like high blood pressure and heart disease, can have inheritance factors. But when it comes to your oral health, are certain conditions inherited? Here’s what you need to know about poor oral health and your genes.

You’re More Likely to Develop Gum Disease With a Family History

Gum disease has many risk factors, including oral hygiene, your age, whether or not you smoke, and even stress. However, one of the risk factors for gum disease is having a family history of the condition [1]. If one of your parents has gum disease, you are more likely to have the bacteria that influence the development of gum disease in your mouth. Researchers suspect that shared genetic and environmental factors (such as stress and diet) are responsible for this link [2].

Genetics May Play a Role in Tooth Decay

Although tooth decay has more to do with your diet and how well you care for your teeth than genetics, your genes may make you more susceptible to tooth decay [3]. However, no one gene is responsible. As with gum disease, shared environmental factors such as diet and lack of fluoride are more likely to contribute to the formation of cavities than genetics [4]. It’s also possible for the bacteria that contribute to tooth decay to be passed down from mother to child from shared utensils.

Healthy Tooth Enamel Is Influenced By Genes

Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth and is their primary defense against decay, sensitivity, and infections. Genetics are responsible for how tooth enamel forms, which means poor enamel formation and health may be hereditary [5]. For example, an inherited variation in enamel development can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Other genes may influence the immune system, which can make it more difficult for the body to fight off the bacteria involved in oral disease.

Crooked Teeth Can Be Hereditary

Misaligned teeth and improper bites can also be hereditary, meaning that if your parents had crooked teeth, you are more likely to have crooked teeth as well [6]. The alignment of your teeth matters for oral hygiene because teeth that are crooked or too close together are typically more difficult to clean, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Don’t Let Poor Oral Health Ruin Your Smile

Even if your poor oral health is partially hereditary, how well you take care of your smile still matters more than your genes. Eating healthy, brushing and flossing your teeth, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups can all help you have a healthy smile despite genetics. Talk to your dentist about your risk for oral health conditions during your next checkup!