Did you know that our genes can impact the alignment of our teeth? But it’s not just our genes that can determine how our teeth grow – something called epigenetics can also play a role. Let’s learn more about what epigenetics is and how it can affect our teeth.

What Is Epigenetics?

Before we talk about how epigenetics can affect our teeth, let’s first understand what it is. Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. In other words, epigenetics can change how our genes are expressed without actually changing the genes themselves.

How Epigenetics Can Impact Teeth Alignment

Our genes play a role in determining how our teeth grow, but epigenetics can also have a substantial impact. Environmental factors, habits, and epigenetic changes can all alter the development of bite alignment which can lead to malocclusion and create problems for maintaining proper oral hygiene.

1. Environment

The environment we grow up in can impact how our teeth grow. For example, if a person grows up with a diet that is low in calcium, they may not develop strong bones and teeth. Similarly, if a person grows up with a diet that is high in sugar, they may be more likely to develop cavities, which can impact the alignment of their teeth.

2. Habits

Certain habits, such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, can also impact dental alignment. These habits can put pressure on the teeth and jaw, causing them to shift or grow in a different way than they would have naturally. These shifts and increased pressure on the teeth and jaw can fuel temporomandibular joint disorders, sleep apnea, and reduce aesthetic appeal of a person’s smile.

3. Epigenetic Changes

Alterations in gene expression (epigenetic changes) can impact our oral health in significant ways. For example, if a person’s genes that are responsible for tooth development are turned off or on at the wrong time, it can impact the alignment of their teeth. This can be especially powerful during adolescence, when a person’s body is undergoing widespread changes and is at its most malleable.

How to Promote Healthy Teeth Alignment

• Practice good oral hygiene: Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can impact the alignment of our teeth.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in calcium and other nutrients can help promote healthy tooth development and prevent tooth decay.
• Avoid harmful habits: Avoiding harmful habits, such as thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting, can help prevent misalignment of the teeth and jaw.
• Visit the dentist regularly: Regular visits to the dentist can help identify any issues with tooth alignment early on and prevent more serious problems from developing.

Schedule a Consultation

Practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, avoiding harmful habits, and visiting the dentist regularly can all help promote healthy tooth alignment. By taking care of our teeth, we can not only have a beautiful smile, but also prevent more serious dental problems from developing. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our office at 425-361-7499.