The Generational Effect On Oral Health

Our Burton family dentist takes a look at how family life can impact our teeth.

The way that we have been brought up can affect almost every area of our life. Even if we feel that we are entirely different to our parents, it is inevitable that they will have had an influence on our daily habits. This applies to how we look after our teeth and gums as much as it does in any other area of life.

Even our ancestors who we never met can impact on our oral health, passing down genes through the ages which influence some medical conditions.

Hereditary problems

We know that some problems, such as heart disease can be hereditary. Fewer people are perhaps aware that problems such as periodontitis are also thought to be influenced by the genes passed down through the ages. Although this can put us at a greater risk of gum disease, it does not necessarily mean that we need to suffer from it, and the damage it causes can be prevented through good daily care of our teeth and gums plus regular gum health checks by the hygienist at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice in Burton.

Diet

What we eat in our adult life is likely to be influenced, if not determined, by what we were given as a child. Whilst breaking these habits can be difficult, it is worth it for our general health as well as for our teeth. High sugar diets are well known to be damaging to teeth, causing dental decay and the need for treatment. Even reducing the amount of sugar in our diet will contribute towards a healthier mouth, especially when supported by good home oral care and regular professional dental checks in Burton.

Brushing

We are likely to brush our teeth as we were taught by our parents. Whilst this will have been done with the best of intentions, advice such as “give your teeth a quick brush before you go to bed” is not advice that will lead to healthy teeth. Advice now recommends at least two minutes of brushing both morning and night. For younger children, these cleaning sessions should be supervised. Appointments with the family dentist at our Burton practice will enable you to learn how to brush your teeth more effectively.

Dental anxiety

Dental anxiety can prevent many people from receiving dental treatment or even regular checks and this anxiety may well have been passed on by our parents. The good news is that dental care has advanced a lot over the years and dentists are increasingly aware of and sympathetic to nervous patients. Our team at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice always take the time to help our patients feel relaxed and at ease about any treatment that might be needed.

If you want to keep your teeth in good health, or have dental problems that need treating, why not give our Burton practice a call on 01283 845345 and speak to our friendly receptionists?