She’s Got Her Mother’s Smile! Or Does She?

It’s all in the genes when it comes to many traits and characteristics inherited from parent to child. In some ways, the same can be said for our smiles. At my Douglasville dental office, we were curious to know if children are more likely to inherit the same dental problems as their parents and how DNA influences dental health. Let’s find out.

Blame it on the DNA
Several dental problems can be passed down from parent to child through DNA including:

• The size and shape of the mouth, which could result in a bad bite and TMJ pain
• Teeth alignment including gaps, crookedness, and overcrowding
• Oral cancer risk
• Cleft palates

Knowing your family’s medical history and what diseases tend to be more prominent is a great first step in being able to detect and treat problems early. Make sure you share this information with your dentist.

Nature vs. Nurture
Don’t place all the blame on genetics when it comes to dental dilemmas. Discoloration, cavities, and even gum disease are nurtured behaviors — not natural genetic traits. Think of the copycat syndrome where kids learn by doing. By making brushing, flossing, and checkups fun for children, they’re more likely to maintain these good habits in the future. This leads to better oral and overall health, and can provide an added defense against what nature may inherently have in the cards. Remember: decay and gum disease aren’t a result of DNA, but neglecting everyday hygiene habits.

Get on Track
Start on the path to better health immediately and increase not only your chances of improved oral health, but also help the little ones who look up to you too. It’s as simple as daily brushing and flossing, watching your diet, and being tobacco-free. Keeping regularly scheduled appointments with your Douglasville dentist for both you and your kids, every six months is also crucial.

If you’re looking for dentist, give my dental office in Douglasville a call and schedule an appointment. We’ll talk about your current oral health and work together to find a plan that will get your smile healthy, beautiful, and vibrant.

Accepting new patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

How Long Does a Tooth Filling Last?

While there are several dental myths we strive to debunk everyday by educating our patients, there’s one that’s particularly concerning for all of us at my Douglasville dental office.  A common misconception is that once you get a cavity filled, you’re good to go for life. Never worry about it again. One and done. We never like to be the bearer of unfortunate news, but that’s just not the case.

The lifespan of dental fillings depends on what type of material is used to fill the cavity. Some last longer than others. Some have other advantages to them besides lasting a long time. It depends on which type of filling is used, where it’s used, and how well you care for your teeth that can all impact the life expectancy of a dental filling.

Silver Fillings

There are some pros to getting silver fillings, but also some negatives. Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, are strong, durable, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and are a great option to fill in any decayed areas of your teeth. However, some patients dislike the fact that these restorations are pretty visible and can even cause some discoloration in your smile. There’s also been an increase in concern regarding the level of mercury in the material used. If this is something that worries you, we encourage you to talk with a dentist.

White Fillings

The most popular type of fillings are white, tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings. Designed to match your teeth and blend seamlessly into your smile, they’re basically invisible. These restorations also usually require less drilling, which means more of your healthy tooth can be kept in tact. However, while they’re definitely more aesthetically pleasing, they may not always be an option. White fillings don’t last as long as silver fillings, and on average sustain for about 7-10 years. Nonetheless, they’re still an incredibly strong, successful treatment for most cavities.

Which is Right for You?

Your dentist in Douglasville will talk to you about which restoration option is most appropriate for you. They’ll look at the level of decay, where in your mouth the cavity is, and talk with you about your preferences.

Think you may have a cavity? Call my Douglasville dental office to schedule a visit today. We’ll check out what’s going on, discuss your treatment options, and get you back on track towards optimal oral health.

Always accepting patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.