Genetics can determine many things about your appearance and health, including whether you are predisposed to certain oral conditions like gum disease and tooth decay. The good news is that just because you may be at a higher risk of these problems doesn’t mean that you are doomed to suffer from them. Here are a few ways that you can help protect your oral health even if your genes are working against you!
How Genes Affect Your Smile
Your genes can influence the condition of your oral health in the same way they can impact your overall health. They are essentially the blueprint your body follows and play an important role in how it responds to damage and stress. Although they do contribute in these ways, genetics are not fully responsible for the condition of your teeth and gums. There are many outside factors that can cause damage to your smile that are completely within your control. Here’s a closer look at a few.
Your Diet
Your diet is an important influence when it comes to your teeth and gums. If you consume too many carbohydrates and sugars, it gives dangerous oral bacteria plenty to snack on, allowing it to proliferate in your mouth and increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Thus, to level the playing field, eat a diet that’s low in carbs and sugars, and instead choose whole grains, lean meats, dairy, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene also plays a big part in the condition of your smile. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, and floss daily. This will clear away food debris and plaque that could cause cavities and gum disease that might eventually rob you of your natural teeth.
Furthermore, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments. These are excellent ways to keep your smile clean and healthy and repair any damage before it has a chance to get worse.
Stress & Your Mental Health
Many people don’t consider the toll that poor mental health can take on your smile. Stress can cause you to grind your teeth, which may lead to chips, cracks, jaw stiffness, and even receding gums. Untreated conditions can also increase comfort eating, or lead to poor oral hygiene, all of which can raise your risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease.
Remember, while your genetics do play an important role in how your teeth and gums respond to external influences, in most cases they do not guarantee that you’ll suffer from gum disease or cavities. The good news is that with proper hygiene and diet, you can easily protect your smile from a variety of painful oral health conditions regardless of if your genes are working against you!
About Our Practice
At Brooklyn City Dental, we know that genetics can only offer so much protection when it comes to your smile. That’s why we’re here to help you with regular preventive care and a variety of oral health treatments that will restore and protect your teeth and gums. If it’s time for your biannual check-up and cleaning, visit our website or call 718-725-7732 and schedule your appointment today!