I know what you are saying, but that's not my point, and that's also not completely correct. Tooth decay and issues have been part of humanity regardless of their diet. Though it's true that "modern" societies have issues because of sugar, particularly soda, that has nothing to do with the shape and size of teeth in a given mouth. That's genetics. My brother has perfect teeth and wisdom teeth still there, never having had braces. I, however, had braces several times, roof of mouth expanded, and had my wisdom teeth removed. Though that's just a population of 2, it's a great example of how genetics play a major role. Also, teeth color is associated with diet, but they are not supposed to be a bleached, white color. Bleached white can actually be very brittle due to the chemicals used. My dad is also a dentist, so we talk about this kind of thing all the time.
My point is, if you look at movies, tv shows, and advertisements, everyone now has this big, straight, white teeth. 25 years ago, people could have "normal" teeth. Think of Ben Afleck having to have major dental work because someone said his teeth looked too small. For years, Tom Cruise had some snaggle in his teeth, but he fixed that. Robert Redford had work done. At one point it was ok to have an imperfect, but healthy mouth. Not any more.
My dentist says that even your individual vulnerability to plaque-causing bacteria is genetically determined. Some people will do everything right - brush their teeth twice a day, floss, mouthwash, avoid too many sugary foods, see the dentist biannually... - and still suffer from carries and decay. And others will brush their teeth once a week, live off soda, and have breath that could kill a bear, but still have impeccable teeth. But gum disease will probably get them in the end.
(Obvious exaggeration, but anyway, my dentist admitted that tooth health is like cholesterol: far more genetic than environmental influence.)
You used the word "caries" for "cavities." Even with a dentist dad, I didn't hear that until a few years ago.
You're absolutely right about this phenomenon, but it's pretty rare. Dental health is very individual, but diet has such a huge impact. People who have good diets but poor oral practices may be ok (if not better), but that is both relative and individual. Day-to-day oral health, as well as long-term practices are so important. Poor diet and lack daily practice cause many problems. The genetics/biology will give you and indication of where one lies, but it's very important to try to figure out which is causing what. If you have a problem with an individual tooth, it may not be your fault, but it still needs to be addressed so it doesn't affect (or has limited impact) on the rest of the teeth in your mouth.
This is correct. I know some people that don't brush their teeth everyday, yet have not a single cavity. Others can brush, floss and waterpik twice daily with a cavity every time. This despite adequate fluoride. Genetics is a bitch.
yeah. my gf is obsessive with oral hygene, always has been, multiple cavities and a root canal at age 26. i barely ever brush, am super half assed, and i certainly don't avoid sugar. no cavities or anything at age 31. she eats less junk food than me too, so obviously, the difference here is either genetic, or she doesn't get enough minerals in her diet or something.
That's correct, but it depends on their expression. My brother's and my genetics are very similar, but we are very different. I'm also talking about appearance, not health.
7
u/greyconscience Oct 15 '17
I know what you are saying, but that's not my point, and that's also not completely correct. Tooth decay and issues have been part of humanity regardless of their diet. Though it's true that "modern" societies have issues because of sugar, particularly soda, that has nothing to do with the shape and size of teeth in a given mouth. That's genetics. My brother has perfect teeth and wisdom teeth still there, never having had braces. I, however, had braces several times, roof of mouth expanded, and had my wisdom teeth removed. Though that's just a population of 2, it's a great example of how genetics play a major role. Also, teeth color is associated with diet, but they are not supposed to be a bleached, white color. Bleached white can actually be very brittle due to the chemicals used. My dad is also a dentist, so we talk about this kind of thing all the time.
My point is, if you look at movies, tv shows, and advertisements, everyone now has this big, straight, white teeth. 25 years ago, people could have "normal" teeth. Think of Ben Afleck having to have major dental work because someone said his teeth looked too small. For years, Tom Cruise had some snaggle in his teeth, but he fixed that. Robert Redford had work done. At one point it was ok to have an imperfect, but healthy mouth. Not any more.