Do your genetics increase the risk of contracting dental disorders? Unfortunately, there’s no straight answer to this – some oral health complications are hereditary, while others aren’t.
The primary cause of hereditary dental conditions and disorders are defective genes passed on from the parents to the offspring. Sometimes, these conditions might be a result of spontaneous gene mutations.
Here are the most common hereditary dental disorders and conditions.
Anodontia
Anodontia is a condition where permanent teeth don’t develop. Partial Anodontia is called hypodontia. However, affected individuals do have milk teeth when they are young.
The permanent teeth that fail to erupt are; upper lateral incisors, upper and lower second premolars, and third molars.
The disorder is more prevalent among males, interfering with jawbone development. As a result, affected individuals have misaligned teeth.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancers mainly affect people who consume alcohol and tobacco products. The condition is also common among those above the age of 40. However, genetics can also increase the risk of contracting oral cancer.
An individual with a hereditary predisposition for cancer is at higher risk of getting a malignant tumour, especially if exposed to carcinogenic substances like alcohol, tobacco, and UV rays. Some people are born with oncogenes, which mutate into cancerous cells. Others experience mutation of tumoursuppressor genes, exposing them to the disease.
Like other cancers, oral cancer is treatable if diagnosed at early stages. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are tiny, white oral ulcers with a red border. Although they aren’t contagious, they tend to recur frequently among those who suffer. The major causes of this condition include bacterial infections, hereditary predisposition, and weakened immunity. Other risk factors are fatigue, food allergies, PMS, and stress.
In some instances, canker sores might be a sign of an underlying health complication. For example, gastrointestinal complications like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis increase susceptibility to this condition. These complications usually run in families, and they can be the reason for your canker sores.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a bacterial disorder that destroys the tissues that support your teeth. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, your gums redden, swell and bleed during brushing. Fortunately, the effects of gingivitis are reversible.
Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis, and its effects are severe. Periodontitis causes irreversible damage to our gums, teeth, and jawbone. Over time, you might experience tooth loss.
Although poor oral care habits are the primary cause of gum disease, genetics can also make you more vulnerable to the condition. It is particularly common among people whose previous generations had diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary dental disorder that causes the defective formation of the enamel. It manifests itself in two ways. First, it can prevent enamel hardening. Secondly, it can cause inadequate enamel production. Either way, the affected individual has weak teeth, which might cause biting problems.
On the other hand, Dentinogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder that results in the defective formation of dentin, the mineralised material that makes up most of your tooth structure. It’s characterised by discoloured, translucent teeth, and, like Amelogenesis imperfecta, this disease weakens teeth and increases sensitivity.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion occurs when you have misaligned jaws, crowded teeth, or missing teeth. These hereditary disorders affect biting and cause speaking problems. Surgery is the best way to ease the pain and restore the functions lost due to this condition.
Final Words
Knowing that your family history predisposes you to certain dental disorders is frightening, but it isn’t a reason to despair. You can prevent and treat these conditions before they cause irreversible damage by observing proper oral care habits and visiting your dentist twice every year.