3 Ways Genetics Affects Tooth Decay

Some people’s genes make them predisposed to have more trouble with tooth decay.

Have you ever been tempted to blame bad genes for the fact that you always seem to be developing cavities and getting fillings at the dentist? It turns out, you may be right.

According to researchers at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics in the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, genetics controls up to 60 percent of your risk for tooth decay.

The most important genes relevant to tooth decay at those that control:

Enamel Strength

Enamel is a tooth’s first line of defense against attacks from tooth decay bacteria. Obviously, the harder and thicker your enamel, the more protection you have against tooth decay. While diet definitely plays a role in the strength of tooth enamel, genes can cause people to have softer tooth enamel even if they are getting plenty of calcium and other minerals from their diet.

Taste

Genes control our ability to perceive certain tastes and sometimes also influence our preference for these tastes. For example, some people can taste cilantro and find it pleasant. Others can’t sense the true taste of cilantro due to genetic variants and find the taste more like soap. Recent research has revealed that the greater a person’s ability to sense different tastes, the less likely they are to develop tooth decay. This could be because individuals with the ability to sense a variety of tastes may be less likely to eat a lot of sugar. Individuals who have a gene variant associated with sweet preference will consume more sugar, which will of course promote tooth decay.

Immune Function

Keeping populations of oral bacteria under control is very important for good oral health. Your immune system plays an important role in this process. If you are genetically predisposed to have a strong immune system, you will enjoy better protection from the proliferation of tooth decay and gum disease bacteria. If your genes make your immune system weaker, chances are you will get more cavities.

You Can’t Control Your Genetics…But You Can Control Your Oral Hygiene

If 60 percent of tooth decay risk is genetic, the other 40 percent is in our control. You can help protect your teeth from decay by following good oral hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing once per day, and rinsing your mouth with water after consuming sugary food or drink. Don’t forget to also visit the dentist regularly for your dental cleanings and exams.

If you need to schedule a cleaning and exam, please contact one of our clinic locations today.