Are Genes to Blame for Cavity-causing Bacteria?

D-brief
By Carl Engelking
Sep 13, 2017 4:00 PMOct 15, 2019 6:23 PM
This is NOT a scientifically accurate illustration of oral bacteria. (Credit: Shutterstock)
This is NOT a scientifically accurate illustration of oral bacteria. (Credit: Shutterstock)

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Were you born to have bad teeth, or did you break them?

When it comes to allocating blame for tooth decay, one of the most common chronic childhood diseases worldwide, experts point fingers at both genes and dental hygiene as causes. Excessive sugar consumption and acid buildup in the mouth have long been linked with cavities, but there are clearly other factors in play.

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