Can Dental Conditions Be Hereditary?
Though many patients know that their eye color or sense of humor came from their parents, they often don’t realize that many of the most common dental issues can stem from genetics as well. Keep reading to learn about which conditions are hereditary and how our team at Frisco's Dentists can treat your entire family.
Gum Disease
Also known as periodontal disease, almost 30% of our population can be at risk for developing gum disease due to genetics. Additionally, your genetics play a large part in how early you will develop periodontal disease as well as how extreme your symptoms are.
From sensitive and inflamed gums to bone loss around certain teeth, this condition can affect your oral health in the long run without proper care. With early diagnosis, your dentist will be able to treat your smile and help protect your dental health.
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects where the side of the lip and the roof of a child’s mouth don’t fuse together properly. Experts believe that most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are caused by genetic and environmental factors.
While a child of parents who had a cleft lip or palate is at risk for this condition, children of Asian, Latino, and Native American descent are also at a heightened risk. Cleft palate or lip can cause feeding issues, speech impairments, and further dental concerns.
Oral Cancer
About 53,260 people are estimated to get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2020. While a patient can develop oral cancer from unhealthy habits, such as smoking, both of these deadly diseases are hereditary. They are also more than twice as common in men as in women.
Oral cancer can affect a patient’s tongue, tonsils, gums, and other parts of the mouth. If you have a family history of oral cancer, it’s essential to have routine exams during your dental appointments to check for masses.
Misaligned Teeth
If your dentist tells you that you need braces, you’re most likely not the first in your family. Your genetic makeup plays an important role in the development of your jaw — which in turn affects the alignment of your smile. Patients may also develop an overbite, underbite, or large gaps between teeth.
Family Dentistry in Frisco
If it’s your first appointment at our Frisco family dentist’s office, we’ll ask you about your medical history. This includes your history of dental conditions and any hereditary issues you may be aware of. Be sure to let us know if you’re aware of any of the conditions mentioned above so that we can keep an extra eye out for them during your cleanings.
To book your first appointment with our team, contact Frisco's Dentists at: (972) 200-0656