Hereditary and Outer Factors that Influence Teeth Health
Posted in Dental Care by admin on September 9th, 2011 Heredity factors may or may not play a role in shaping the health of our teeth. In fact, geneticists are still studying the effects of hereditary on teeth by conducting various research studies. What follows next is a discussion to find some answers to, ‘are bad teeth hereditary’.
Bad teeth are a very broad term. The definition includes, missing and malformed teeth, improper teeth structure/position, sensitive teeth, and discoloration/staining of the teeth. We humans are blessed with fourteen deciduous teeth and thirty two permanent teeth. The deciduous teeth shed during childhood, and then permanent teeth take their place. These thirty two permanent teeth are classified (the classification is based on position and shape) as - molars, pre-molars, incisors and canines.
Missing any of these teeth is either influenced by genetic factors or environmental factors. Many people have congenitally missing teeth (that is missing by birth); wisdom tooth (third molar) is also not formed in many people owing to genetic reasons. Genetic mutations of the genes can cause both these missing teeth conditions. Genetic factors can work along with environmental factors – like virus infections, exposure to procedures like radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can also lead to missing and malformed teeth.
Genetic mutations can also cause malformation of the teeth. Thus, the role of hereditary factors in provoking bad teeth cannot be sidelined. But as far as discoloration/staining of the teeth is concerned, hereditary factors have a minimal role to play. Environmental factors play a dominant role here. Hereditary factors do play a role, but other factors like smoking, use of drugs while the new teeth are developing, and root canal procedures, can also contribute to bad teeth a big way.
Improper dental hygiene habits can result in bad teeth, and consistently following dental health care regimen can heal the bad teeth. Thus, we can conclude that bad teeth are not always due to hereditary reasons, and many other factors influence bad teeth too.
