Are Bad Teeth Hereditary?

Heredity or genetic factors occupy a strong place in shaping us, the way we are. There are so many diseases associated with genetics, which means that these diseases can be passed from one generation to the next. Heredity also plays a significant role in determining our looks and physique.

What about the role of hereditary factors in shaping our teeth structure? Are bad teeth gifted to us by our forefathers? Well, the answer is ambiguous. 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.

Bad teeth is 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 (12), pre-molars (8), incisors (8) and canines (4).

Missing any of these teeth are 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.

When a few teeth are missing since birth, it is called hypodontia, and when more than 6 teeth are lacking, it is referred to as oligodontia. 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 terrible teeth a big way.

Improper dental hygiene habits can result in your teeth being affected, and consistently following dental health care regimen can heal the bad teeth. Thus, we can conclude that these teeth are not always due to hereditary reasons, and many other factors influence them too.

There are many dental procedures that you can avail of to get rid of bad teeth, including missing and malformed teeth. For discolored and stained teeth, consistently following good health care habits will help. To help you out, we have given some dental hygiene habits one should adhere to.

Smoking and drugs promote deposition of tarter on the enamel of teeth, causing them to stain. So, for sparkling teeth, one should avoid smoking and tobacco. These were some solutions to prevent bad teeth. Though heredity factors have a role to play in bad teeth, science has developed so much that there is now a solution to each and every problem.