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Hodges Dentist | Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

Tooth decay – One of the most common oral issues, some tooth decay has been linked to a genetic deficiency of a protein called DEFB1. If your parents experienced an unusually high rate of tooth decay, then you may want to be more vigilant regarding your own dental care.

Oral cancer – Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Our doctor recommends annual oral cancer screening for early identification and treatment. In addition, certain lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Periodontal disease – Recent research has found that some forms of gum disease may be linked to mutations in genes that affect immunity and inflammatory response.

Misaligned or supernumerary (extra) teeth – Genetics can play a role in having misaligned or even extra teeth. The size of your jaw is determined mostly through heredity, and is the most common reason for an overbite, underbite, or dental crowding.

Canker sores – In most cases, canker sores are an isolated reaction to fatigue, stress, or menstrual cycles. However, there are certain inherited diseases that count canker sores among their symptoms. Crohn’s disease and Celiac sprue are two such conditions.

While you may not be able to avoid hereditary oral health issues entirely, we can help minimize or even reverse their effects with proper treatment and care. If you suffer from any of these inherited conditions, contact our office for an oral health evaluation. We can help.

See What Our patients Are Saying

Greenwood Dentist Dentist in Hodges

“The best dentist office around! All the staff are fabulous, so professional and kind. My family and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. And that Dr. Fennell is one awesome dentist, with every patient, even children and the elderly. I recommend this office to everyone that needs a dentist!“

- Sarah H

“Great dentist! I had the same dentist for 35 years. I was very nervous about going to a new dentist. Piedmont Family Dentistry felt like home at the first visit. One crown and two years later, same great service.”

- Tom P

Piedmont Family Dentistry

3404 Cokesbury Road,
Hwy 254, Hodges, SC 29653

We are located across from Parkseed