A 34-year-old member asked:
Are bad teeth hereditary? how do you know if your parents have false teeth?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jason Huffmananswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 25 years experience
Yes: Bad teeth can be hereditary. In addition parents who do not care for their teeth are less likely to teach their children to take good care of their teeth. If you want to know if your parents have false teeth ask them or watch to see if they take them out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Maurice Lindlyanswered
Dentistry 40 years experience
Possibly. Ask.: Genetics can contribute to thin enamel in teeth, which will decay easier than normal enamel. This can be mitigated with diligent oral hygiene and home care, regular dental exams and cleanings with Fluoride application. I have found that many patients use "heredity" as an excuse for their dental problems when in reality they are not practicing good oral hygiene. Cases of genetic causes are rare.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Venincasaanswered
Dentistry - Cosmetic 37 years experience
To some degree...: Bad teeth may be hereditary to some degree. However, with good habits even heredity can be overcome to quite a large degree. The only way to know if your parents had false teeth is to ask them. With hippa regulations it would be wrong to have a dentist share information about your parents false teeth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 15, 2018
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