Are cavities and other dental problems genetic?

When it comes to genetics and dental health, our team at Byers Station Dental can work with you on which oral health situations can be inherited. Genetic dental problems are common, which makes it that much more important for some patients to schedule regular dental exams and dental cleanings at our Chester Springs, PA office.

Tooth decay is the destruction of the outer surface of a tooth, the tooth enamel, and the dentin, located under the enamel. When food particles and harmful bacteria are left on the surface of the teeth and in between them, this allows plaque to form, which dissolves the enamel. This leads to a cavity. Ultimately, each patient’s immune response is related to genetic factors, which can contribute to the risk of tooth decay. So, yes, cavities and other dental problems can be genetic.

Signs of a dental cavity

There are many signs of a dental cavity in Chester Springs, PA. Here are some common symptoms that you’re experiencing tooth decay:

• White spots on the teeth (for children)

• Tooth pain

• Tooth sensitivity

• Pain when eating, drinking, chewing, or biting

• Holes in the teeth

• Stains on the surface of the tooth

When you suspect that you have a cavity, it’s important to schedule an appointment at Byers Station Dental as soon as possible. The longer you wait to be treated, the more serious it can become and the greater the chance that you need a more extensive procedure other than a tooth-colored filling.

Who is at risk for cavities?

There are many risk factors for developing cavities, including a family history of dental problems, poor oral hygiene, a high-sugar and starch diet, water supply with little to no fluoride, high levels of bacteria in the mouth, and less than normal saliva flow. For children that are at a high risk of cavities, our team recommends a dental sealant. Dental sealants not only prevent cavities, but also save patients from needing fillings or other restorative procedures later. Children aged 6 – 12 are the best candidate for a sealant.

For patients with little to no fluoride in their drinking water, a fluoride treatment may be recommended. This fluoride treatment will protect exposed tooth roots, minimize tooth sensitivity, and are usually given every six months after a cleaning. It helps protect the teeth from tooth decay.

Cavity treatment

During a dental exam at Byers Station Dental, we learn about your medical history, do a full dental exam of your teeth and gums, and perform an oral cancer screening. We will use highly-advanced technology, such as a DIAGNOdent laser cavity detector, which detects problems that the eye alone cannot see, including early tooth decay, cracks, or small chips in a tooth. This allows our team to offer the most accurate treatment for long-term dental health. When we find tooth decay, we will remove the decayed part of the tooth and replace it with a tooth-colored filling.

Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings for optimal oral health

It’s important to understand what you can do to prevent tooth decay. When you have any signs of a cavity, it’s important to schedule a dental exam at Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA, for immediate dental care. We are committed to helping you and your family to maintain their oral health. We offer cavity treatment and also cavity prevention treatments for children and teenagers.