While some dental problems will be the result of poor oral hygiene or trauma, others can be traced back to your genetics. Family dentists are in a unique position to help you address or even prevent these types of hereditary issues since they have the benefit of providing dental care for multiple members of your family and are therefore more familiar with which genetic conditions you may be at risk for developing. Continue reading to learn more about a few of the genetic conditions that can benefit from early detection thanks to the use of family dentistry.

Amelogenesis Imperfecta

While this particular condition has a rather scary-sounding technical name, amelogenesis imperfecta is actually a very manageable condition if caught in the early stages. Patients who suffer from this condition produce a less-than-average amount of tooth enamel. As a result, these individuals will be far more susceptible to tooth sensitivity and damage. While a dentist will not be able to influence the amount of enamel the patient's body produces, they can help to treat the symptoms of this condition and provide preventative care to minimize any chipping, cracking, or other physical damage to the teeth. In some cases, a family dentist may also suggest the use of veneers for patients suffering from this condition in order to provide an additional layer of protection for their abnormally sensitive tooth enamel.

Malocclusion

This particular disorder is most commonly referred to as a bad bite. This condition is almost always genetic in nature and involves the misalignment of your jawbone. This misalignment can result in issues such as poorly spaced or missing teeth. In many cases, patients who suffer from this disorder will experience problems with their ability to chew or speak correctly. Consequently, early detection and treatment are a crucial part of dealing with this condition in an effective manner. 

Receding Gums

While receding gums can be the result of poor oral hygiene or gum disease, this condition can also be the result of genetics. Unfortunately, gum tissue does not regenerate. Consequently, if a patient loses a significant amount of gum tissue before this issue is treated, it can ultimately have an impact on their oral health for the rest of their life. Thankfully, it is possible to stop receding gums and prevent further tissue loss if this problem is detected and treated in its early stages. This is why a family dentist will carefully monitor their patients for any gum loss if their other family members have suffered from receding gums or are prone to gum disease.