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1010 E. Chapman Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831

How Do Genetics Impact Oral Health?

Did you know that you can inherit certain aspects of your oral health? Genetics are a contributing factor to how your teeth and jaw develop and your predisposition for developing infections. We will review the connections between genetics and oral health issues and how we treat these problems in our Fullerton, CA, dental office. Our professional team is dedicated to helping patients get the right care for their dental issues for happier, healthier smiles.

Genetics and Oral Health in Fullerton, California

Genetics and Oral Health in Fullerton, CA

There are multiple dental issues that are impacted by genetics:

Crooked and Misaligned Teeth

Jaw development is often linked to genetics. The way your jaw develops is passed down from generation to generation. As a result, you can develop overcrowding, crooked teeth, and other orthodontic issues.

We provide Invisalign for patients with orthodontic problems. Invisalign uses many clear aligners that shift teeth into a straighter position over time. This alternative to traditional braces offers a more discreet and patient-friendly way to address crooked and misaligned teeth.

Gum Inflammation and Gum Disease

Genetics are a common risk factor for gum disease. Like jaw development, tooth development can impact a patient’s risk of developing infections. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, occurs due to harmful bacteria that irritate the gum tissue. Over time, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, or gum disease, if patients do not care for their smiles or receive professional care soon enough.

Antibacterial rinses, scaling and root planing, laser dentistry, and gum surgery can treat patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. An antibacterial rinse minimizes the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Scaling and root planing are deep-cleaning treatments that clean plaque and tartar from the gums and tooth roots. Dental lasers and traditional gum surgery both remove infected gum tissue.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

As with gum disease, a bacterial infection can affect the teeth. Patients who are more prone to decay due to genetics can experience tooth pain and sensitivity, dental cavities, and signs of tooth wear.

We can provide dental fillings and root canal treatment to prevent the need to remove diseased teeth. Dental fillings seal cavities and preserve the enamel. If dental infections reach the inside of a tooth, a root canal removes the diseased dental pulp from within a tooth. Removing the nerves, cells, and blood vessels within the tooth, cleaning the tooth chamber, and sealing the tooth also preserve natural teeth. It is important to contact a dentist if you notice changes in your teeth, as patients can lose their natural teeth as decay spreads and worsens.

Tooth Discoloration

Teeth are porous, meaning chromogens contained in tea, coffee, wine, and other drinks and foods can stain the enamel. Patients can inherit highly porous teeth leaving them at risk of deeply stained or worn teeth that show the darker dentin beneath the tooth enamel.

We offer professional in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments to eliminate stains from the enamel. For patients with intrinsic tooth stains, we recommend dental veneers or bonding treatment. These treatments cover the enamel and brighten the smile.

Do you need general, cosmetic, or restorative dental care? We’ve got you covered. Improve your oral health in our Fullerton, CA office. Schedule a dental appointment with us on our website or call Fullerton Craft Smiles at (714) 888-7008.