Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a common dental problem affecting people worldwide. If the plaque is not sufficiently removed from the teeth, hard, calcified calculus develops. Although nutrition, lifestyle, and dental hygiene practices are important factors in the development of dental calculus, new research has suggested that genetics may also play a role. We will examine how genetics affects dental calculus in this blog post and whether it is inherited with a Fairfield, ME dental office.
Dental Calculus
A solid mineralized material called dental calculus builds up on the teeth over time. It is made up of food particles and minerals from saliva that solidify on the surface of the teeth. Tooth decay, gum disease, and foul breath are just a few oral health issues that can be brought on by dental calculus. Although poor oral hygiene is the main cause of dental calculus, there is increasing interest in learning more about hereditary variables that may predispose certain people to calculus more frequently than others.
The Role of Genetics
Recent studies have shown that a person’s susceptibility to dental calculus may be influenced by heredity. Whether certain genes associated with the immune system, salivary composition, and tooth enamel structure may play a role in the development of calculus has been investigated.
- Genes related to the immune system: An individual’s immunological response has been associated with certain genetic variations. Increased inflammation may result from a robust immune response, which may encourage the production of calculus. According to previous studies, certain individuals may be predisposed to developing calculus because of the genes that heighten their immune system’s sensitivity to tooth plaque.
- Saliva composition: Saliva removes food particles and bacteria, which helps preserve dental health. The ability of saliva to carry out this job can be impacted by genetic changes in its makeup. Certain genetic characteristics can result in less efficient salivary production, which increases the likelihood of calculus formation.
- Tooth Enamel Structure: Genetics can also have an impact on the structure of tooth enamel. Genetic factors can cause variations in enamel thickness and mineral composition from person to person. Calculus buildup may be more likely to occur in weakened enamel.
A person’s susceptibility to dental calculus may be influenced by genetics; however, this is not only a hereditary condition. Dental calculus is influenced by several equally significant factors, including food, lifestyle, and dental cleanliness. To prevent dental calculus from forming, it is critical to promote frequent dental check-ups and appropriate oral hygiene habits in Fairfield and worldwide. Our ability to prevent and treat this prevalent dental problem can be improved by understanding how genetic and environmental factors interact.
