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Treating hereditary dental issues with comprehensive dentistry

As humans, we all tend to rely heavily on cause and effect. If such-and-such happened, it is because this person, situation, or action caused it to happen. We use this type of reasoning in nearly every aspect of our lives, including our physical and dental health. 

But the problem with cause and effect is that many people see it as a black and white explanation of what may be a more complex issue. A person can’t simply say that another person had a heart attack because they were overweight. This is too simplistic. More often than not, there are multiple variables that prove to be part of the cause.

The same is true with dentistry. Many people think dental issues are solely caused by a person’s lifestyle: too much sugar = decay. While there is definitely some truth to that, dental issues sometimes have more complex causes. That’s why we wanted to discuss hereditary dental issues today.

Do Genetics Really Play a Role in Oral Hygiene Issues?

According to Colgate, patients who experience decay and gum disease aren’t necessarily dealing with these issues because of their lifestyle choices. Sometimes, patients are simply more genetically prone to them. In a recent blog post on this topic, Colgate cites a study that was recently conducted by the Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In it, researchers evaluated over three hundred dental records and saliva samples and studied them to determine whether dental decay and periodontal disease could be caused by genetic factors.

In a CNN article reported on this topic, scientists have found that our chance for getting cavities is sixty percent genetics and forty percent hygiene. Our genes play a role in our preference for sweets, how strong our enamel is, the strength of our saliva (an important defense against decay), and the type and number of bacteria in our mouths.

What Can Be Done to Treat Hereditary Dental Issues?

Patients who deal with certain dental conditions because of their genetics have to be diligent about their dental care. While some people might be able to get away with a more lackadaisical attitude toward their dental care, those who deal with genetic dental issues can’t afford to do that.

When we discover that our patients deal with these issues, we recommend the following, an ideal in comprehensive dentistry. Red Deer patients should:

Brush their teeth after every meal and before bed.

Floss every night.

Avoid sugary beverages, including fruit juice, soda, and tea or coffee with sweetener. If these drinks are consumed, they should not be sipped throughout the day and we recommend that the patient brush their teeth or rinse their mouth out after drinking them.

Get regular dental cleanings and examinations. For patients who are highly decay-prone, they should get an exam every six to twelve months. Those who are at higher risk for periodontal disease may need cleanings every three or four months instead of every six months.

All of these are, of course, preventative measures. Is there anything that can be done for patients who are concerned about existing dental issues? Definitely! Patients can talk to their Red Deer dentist about getting a smile makeover in Red Deer. A smile makeover would include smile rejuvenation and cosmetic dental treatments, including:

Composite bonding and fillings

Veneers

Porcelain crowns, inlays, or overlays

Bleaching (in-office and at-home systems)

Orthodontia

Implants and implant crowns, removable dentures, full dentures, or implant dentures to replace missing teeth.

(10/23/2020)
by Red Deer Smiles

More Information: https://www.saby.com/genetics-and-dentistry-a-red-deer-patients-answer-to-hereditary-dental-issues/

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