When considering oral health, just like your body’s organs, tissues and so on, genetics can play a key role in the health of your teeth and gums. Your oral health is interconnected to your body’s overall health and certain conditions of the body can affect your dental health.
Read on for more on this important topic and measures you can take to ensure optimum oral health.
The role of genetics
Believe it or not, every one of your features is genetic. And just like your predisposition to develop diseases such as heart disease or diabetes can be affected by your genetic makeup, your oral health is no exception.
But just how? It depends.
For example, studies indicate that though genetics were linked to some kinds of tooth bacteria, this didn’t include the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Conversely, genetics can more often impact your tooth enamel strength and the amount of saliva that fights bacteria that you produce.
However, most experts agree that the likelihood of actually getting a cavity is more so impacted by how well you take care of your teeth. But if your family does experience a large number of cavities, you may wish to ask Dr. Milan about dental sealants to further protect your teeth from damage.
Gum disease can also be affected by genetic factors, but also lifestyle and environmental factors, particularly oral care that isn’t up to par. As far as misaligned teeth, genetics can certainly play a role. Since your genetic makeup contributes to the size of your teeth and jaw, it can also affect tooth gaps and crowding, overbites and underbites, all of which Dr. Milan can offer solutions to.
And, perhaps most seriously, genetics can play a small role in your likelihood of developing oral cancer. However, it should be noted that lifestyle factors like alcohol use and tobacco use put you at the highest risk.
As always, it’s important to share your family dental health history with Dr. Milan. However, the bottom line is that taking care of your mouth by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day minimum, and also seeing Dr. Milan for your six-month dental checkup, cleaning and oral cancer screening, is most crucial to maintaining optimum oral health.
Dentist in Birmingham, Michigan
Whether you were dealt a great hand or a poor hand when it comes to oral health, Dr. Milan can help.
As an expert in general dentistry in metro Detroit, along with cosmetic dentistry, restorative and advanced dentistry, Dr. Milan is keenly aware of what it takes to achieve excellence in oral health.
Many of his patients come to him believing that their smile is a lost cause. Not so. Dr. Milan’s service offerings include those which many other dentists simply do not offer. Even if your teeth are chipped, gapped, severely discolored or altogether missing, Dr. Milan can help you get a smile you’ll want to show off.
Dr. Milan welcomes a consultation with you. Please contact his office today to schedule your appointment.