my Dd who is 4 had have dental work done yesterday. alot of dental and I had asked is this is hereditary because I as a young child had problems as well as dh and her 2 older sisters THe dentist told me no is poor dental habits and I was a little irked because I brush dd's teeth every night and morning. I usually let them take over when they are about 6 or 7. I usually let them start and I finish they also floss and use florid. It just struck me wrong because My family has a history of dental problems as well as hubbys. As a child and as an adult I still brush and floss. So I was wondering do yo believe that dental problems can be passed down. I could understand if I she didn't brush her teeth. but she does. Also Ds who is her twin is just starting with the cavities. He has to have 4 done.I just dont understand because his gets brushed like his sisters.

By Colette on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 04:02 pm:

I don't know if being prone to cavities is inherited, but I'd be looking for another dentist. He definetly could have been nicer.

By Conni on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 04:07 pm:

Yes if you have soft teeth and are prone to cavities your children can be the same. It does require more care I guess? I am suppose to floss Blakes teeth everytime he brushes because he has his Dad's teeth! argh I dont do it like I should. And the child eats way too much candy.

I totally agree the dentist was RUDE!

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 04:12 pm:

Well, you may hear that *bad* teeth are not inherited, but I can point out a number of people whose dental problems seem to run in their family genes.

I think I'd look for another dentist as well, specifically a pedodontist, since they deal with children's teeth - especially since your child is having dental problems so young. Poor dental hygeine, or persistant dental problems can cause a lot of health issues, both now, and particularly later in life, including heart-related issues. Definitely start dealing with the dental problems now. You won't regret it.

By Luvn29 on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 06:35 pm:

I was told by a very good dentist that some kids are more prone to tooth decay just like some people are more prone to certain diseases, etc. and yes, it can be genetic. My teeth are great, knock on wood, but my husband's teeth are horrible. Both of my children have horrible teeth and I have always taken wonderful care of their teeth. I was told to use a Children's Flouride rinse along with the brushing to strengthen the teeth.

Good luck. I know where you are coming from.

By Deek on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 06:43 pm:

I have two daughters..both raised with the same diet, the same brushing habits and my oldest has had one cavity in 25 years and the younger has had tons of cavities through the years..so yes, genetics definitely plays a part!

By Breann on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 08:26 pm:

YES! It can be genetic!

By Cat on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 10:38 pm:

Absolutely genetic. Thankfully, my dad had good teeth and I luckily got that from him. Unfortunately, my mom has bad teeth as does my dh so my kids have lots of problems (as do my brother and his son). I think the dentist was out of line.

By Mommmie on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 10:40 pm:

Oh yes. My son rarely, if ever, brushes his teeth (and he's 11 years old). It's a sensory thing for him and he just can't tolerate it. He's *never* had a cavity or any tooth decay and he goes to the dentist twice a year.

By Kiki on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 06:14 am:

I think it runs in families. I know it runs in mine. I also agree that the dentist was rude. I would look for another dentist.

By Unschoolmom on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 06:28 am:

I could be genetic (my son had compromised enamel when his teeth came in), it could be the strain of bacteria that inhabit her mouth and it could be the shape of her teeth. When my son started having trouble the dentist insisted it was his night nursing that was doing it, despite the obvious problems his teeth had and the contradictory research I'd done on night nursing.

Sometimes I think they don't really know but feel like they need to provide an answer.

By Crystal915 on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 02:52 pm:

I have soft teeth, as do a couple of my family members... the dentist sounds like a real jerk!! Switch dentists and ask to have the teeth bonded.