In This Article
In This Article
Yes, bad teeth can be hereditary. Your genes can play a role in several things that affect tooth health and cause bad breath. This includes your tooth enamel’s strength, the quality of your saliva, and how your body fights oral bacteria.
On the other hand, some people inherit genes that put teeth at risk for problems like cavities and gum disease. Certain genetic conditions can impact teeth development, resulting in crooked or misshapen teeth.
Your genetics can dictate various things that can affect your mouth and overall oral health. It can affect your bone structure, mouth shape and size, gum health, and even saliva production.
Sometimes teeth may not form properly, resulting in crooked or weakened teeth because of tooth enamel issues. Your genes can also influence your preference for sweets, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
However, bad teeth and oral health are more than just genetics. The American Dental Association (ADA) believes that many common oral problems are caused by genetics and environmental factors. Although genetics does play a role in oral health issues, dental hygiene is still an important factor.
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The table below lists specific genes, their role in dental health, and the diseases they’re associated with. Although this isn’t a complete list of genes, knowing these can help you identify your risk factors for dental problems.
| Gene | Role | Disease Caused |
| Ameloblastin | Enamel matrix | Cavities, dental fluorosis |
| Amelogenin | Tooth mineralization | Amelogenesis imperfecta, cavities, molar incisor hypomineralization |
| Beta-defensin 1 | Microbial protection | Cavities |
| Carbonic Anhydrase VI | Saliva PH regulation | Cavities |
| Enamelin | Enamel matrix | Amelogenesis imperfecta, cavities, molar incisor hypomineralization |
| Kallikrein 4 | Enamel matrix strengthening | Hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta |
| Matrix metalloproteinase 16 | Degradation of extracellular proteins | Cavities |
| Mucin 5 | Biofilm formation inhibition | Susceptibility to cavities |
The following oral health problems are partly influenced by genetics:
Although oral health problems and diseases can be hereditary, there are plenty of ways to keep your teeth healthy, including:
If you wear dentures, it’s important to learn how to clean them properly. Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a dental health professional.
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