While keeping up with your dental hygiene and attending regular visits at your dentist’s office are essential, there’s another factor that can influence your oral health: genetics. If you have a family history of certain issues, you may be more susceptible to developing them.

At the office of Eric Felt, we understand that achieving lasting oral health requires a multifaceted approach that’s tailored to the individual patient. If you’re wondering about the role your genetic makeup may have on your oral health, keep reading to understand which dental issues may be hereditary and how to manage them. 

The Role of Genetics in Oral Health

Oral health is influenced by both environment and heredity. Environmental factors are things you can control, at least to some extent: how diligent you are with oral hygiene, the foods you eat, how often you visit the dentist, etc. 

Inherited traits that are unchangeable; they’re encoded in your DNA. When it comes to oral health, genetics can affect tooth development, saliva composition, enamel strength, gum tissue, and even jaw alignment. While you can’t change your genes, being aware of them can help you take proactive steps to maintain a healthy smile. 

Common Hereditary Dental Conditions

There are many ways genetics can play a role in your oral health. Some people are more likely to experience certain issues than others, including tooth decay, gum disease, alignment problems, oral cancer, and more.

Tooth Decay

At its root, tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on food particles and form acids and plaque that wear down the tooth enamel. However, genetics can influence the shape of the teeth and determine whether they have grooves that tend to trap food and bacteria, making you more or less likely to experience tooth decay. 

Additionally, enamel strength may vary based on genetics, making certain people more prone to cavities. 

Gum Disease

Like with tooth decay, gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque as a result of excess oral bacteria. Certain genetic markers have been linked to a higher risk of inflammation and gum disease. If you have a family history of tooth loss or receding gums, this may be a red flag. 

Malocclusion and Jaw Alignment

Just like you inherit your appearance from your parents, your bite alignment and the size and shape of your jaw can also be inherited. Overbites, underbites, crowding, and congenital defects may run in families and require orthodontic treatment. 

Oral Cancer Risk

Cancer often runs in families, as well. Some inherited gene mutations can increase susceptibility to oral or oropharyngeal cancers, especially when combined with additional risk factors like smoking, poor oral hygiene, and alcohol consumption. 

Additionally, some people may inherit an inability to break down certain cancer-causing chemicals, such as those found in tobacco smoke and alcohol, therefore increasing their risk.

Canker Sores and Cold Sores

Although the exact reason people get canker sores is not fully understood, they may have a genetic component. Between 24 to 46 percent of people who have repeatedly experienced canker sores have a family history of this condition. 

While cold sores themselves are not inherited, some people’s genes make them more susceptible to getting the herpes simplex virus, which is the root cause of cold sores. 

What You Can Do to Protect Your Oral Health

So, what can you do to protect your oral health? The first thing you should do is identify whether you have any genetic risk factors. Ask your family members about their dental history, and watch for signs like frequent cavities despite good hygiene, persistent mouth ulcers or jaw pain, and gum issues at a young age.

If you suspect you’re genetically predisposed to certain oral health issues, remember that your DNA doesn’t have to be your destiny. Many hereditary issues can be managed or prevented with: 

• A consistent oral hygiene routine
• Routine dental checkups and cleanings
• Early intervention for orthodontic concerns 
• Preventive care, like sealants or fluoride treatments

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your dentist can tailor your care plan if they know your family history, so it’s a good idea to share your concerns with them. They may be able to spot early signs of inherited oral health issues during exams, and with the help of diagnostic tools, they can aid in personalized treatment planning. 

At the office of Eric Felt DDS, our number one goal is to do everything we can to support your oral health. We want you to know that genetics may influence your oral health, but knowledge and proactive care can make a big difference. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started on a prevention-focused care plan. 

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex in infants and toddlers. While it’s common and usually harmless in very young children, it can become a concern if the behavior continues until after age four or when permanent teeth begin to erupt. 

At the office of Eric Felt DDS, we want our patients and their parents to be aware of habits that can put children’s oral health and development at risk. If you’re concerned about your child’s thumb sucking, keep reading to learn why they may be doing it, when it becomes a problem, how it can affect oral health, and how to help your child stop thumb sucking. 

Why Children Suck Their Thumbs

So, why do some children suck their thumbs? For many of them, it’s a natural self-soothing behavior, offering them comfort during times of stress, fatigue, or boredom. Babies are born with a sucking reflex — it’s how they nurse, after all — so thumb sucking can be a way to help them feel secure and happy, similar to using a pacifier. It can also help children fall asleep.

When Thumb Sucking Becomes a Problem

As long as your child is still very young and does not yet have any permanent teeth, thumb sucking is not typically a problem. Most children outgrow the habit by age 2–4. However, if a child continues to suck their thumb after the permanent teeth erupt (typically around age 5 or 6), the habit can impact their oral development. 

There are two types of thumb sucking: passive and aggressive. Passive sucking involves the thumb resting gently inside the mouth and is much less likely to cause damage, while aggressive sucking places pressure on the mouth or teeth and may affect tooth alignment and inhibit proper oral development. 

Oral Health Issues Caused by Thumb Sucking

Aggressive or prolonged thumb sucking can cause significant oral health issues as the child grows and their adult teeth grow in. 

Palate and Oral Structure Changes

Palate and oral structure changes are a major concern with thumb sucking. The intruding thumb, combined with the force of the sucking, puts pressure on the mouth and affects the development of the oral structure. For instance, children who suck their thumbs may experience a narrowing of the upper palette, changes in swallowing patterns, or speech issues like lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. 

Dental Alignment Problems

With palate and oral structure changes often come dental alignment problems, which may include:

• An open bite, which is where the front teeth don’t meet when mouth is closed
• An overbite or protrusion of the front teeth
• A misaligned jaw or shifting of teeth

Alignment issues often necessitate orthodontic solutions, such as braces, palette expanders, and more.

Increased Risk of Other Health Issues

Oral health isn’t the only thing at risk with thumb sucking. There’s a much higher chance of sickness and infection due to frequent hand-to-mouth contact. Plus, there’s the risk of skin irritation or callusing on the thumb.

How to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

That being said, what’s the best way to help your child stop sucking their thumb? Here are some things you can try: 

• Positive reinforcement: This could include verbal praise and encouragement, sticker charts, or reward systems for not sucking their thumb.
• Identify triggers: Try to determine whether the thumb sucking is linked to boredom, stress, or fatigue. When your child experiences these emotions, offer alternative comfort like blankets or stuffed animals. 
• Gentle reminders and tools: Avoid scolding or shaming your child. Instead, gently remind them not to suck their thumb. You can also use thumb guards, bitter-tasting nail solutions, or dental appliances that discourage the habit. 

When to See a Dentist

You may be wondering when you should see a dentist. It’s a good idea to talk to your child’s dentist if thumb sucking persists beyond age five or if you observe changes in your child’s bite, teeth, alignment, or speech. The dentist can evaluate your child and recommend appropriate interventions. 

Ensure Your Child’s Oral Health with Eric Felt DDS

At the office of Eric Felt DDS, our goal is to help your child grow up healthy and strong by taking a supportive, patient-centered approach. With early intervention, long-term dental issues can be avoided. If you’re concerned about your child’s thumb sucking habit, contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s smile is happy and healthy for years to come.

Mamelons are little bumps on the edges of the incisors that create a serrated look. They’re a common feature in children and young adults, but have you ever wondered what they’re for? Many people notice them but don’t know what they are or if they require treatment.

If you or your child have these incisor bumps, keep reading to learn why they occur and whether they should be removed.

What Are Mamelons?

Mamelons are the rounded bumps or ridges that appear on the edges of newly erupted permanent incisors. They typically occur on the central and lateral incisors — in other words, the front four teeth on both the top and bottom.

There’s usually three bumps on each tooth, creating the appearance of a scalloped or wavy edge, similar to a serrated knife. 

Why Do Mamelons Appear?

So, why do mamelons appear? The truth is that they’re a natural part of the tooth formation process. Adult teeth are formed as three separate lobes that fuse during tooth development, resulting in the bumpy appearance. They may also play a role in eruption, helping the tooth cut through the gums as it grows in. 

If you’re concerned by the appearance of mamelons, don’t be. They are completely normal and harmless, and are not considered a dental problem or disease. 

Do Mamelons Go Away?

Mamelons are most noticeable when children’s permanent teeth first erupt, around 6–12 years of age. They often wear down naturally over time due to biting, chewing, and everyday use. However, if they remain into adulthood, it may indicate alignment issues, such as:

• Malocclusion
• An open bite
• A crossbite
• An underbite
• A deep bite
• Crowding
• Excessive space between the teeth
• Protrusion

These misalignments mean there’s a lack of natural wear to the tooth enamel, so the mamelons remain intact. Another possible reason these bumps might not go away on their own is a soft diet. 

On the flip side, mamelons that disappear rapidly after the incisors erupt can indicate teeth grinding or a tendency to chew on hard objects. In these cases, it’s important to talk to your child’s dentist about ways to protect their enamel from further wear. 

When Might Mamelons Require Dental Attention?

Mamelons almost never require dental attention. In rare cases, they may interfere with bite or indicate orthodontic issues; however, the choice to remove them comes down to cosmetics. If they persist into adulthood and affect the patient’s confidence, there are ways to achieve a smoother smile with the power of cosmetic dentistry. 

Talk to your dentist to see if one of these options is right for you. Avoid DIY methods, as they can irreversibly damage your teeth. 

Enamel Contouring

Enamel contouring is the simplest way to address mamelons. It involves non-invasive reshaping of the tooth surface using drills and/or lasers. Since the enamel doesn’t contain nerves or blood vessels, no anesthesia is required. The procedure is quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive. 

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is another non-invasive cosmetic option. Rather than filing down the mamelons, you can opt to fill in the ridges with a special type of dental resin material. However, the results are impermanent, and the resin may need to be retouched every few years. 

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can cover minor misshapenness and bumps like mamelons, enhancing smile aesthetics. With proper care, they can last many years, making them a more permanent option than dental bonding. 

Dental Solutions by Eric Felt DDS

At the office of Eric Felt DDS, we’re proud to offer a wide range of general and cosmetic dental procedures designed to support a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles. If you’ve noticed mamelons on your teeth or your child’s, our friendly dental team is happy to evaluate and discuss options with you. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about tooth shape or bite.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward achieving a more beautiful, dazzling smile.