Genetic Influences on Dental Caries Susceptibility

Dental caries arises from a complex interplay between microbial biofilms, dietary sugars and host factors, among which genetics plays a pivotal role. Twin and family studies estimate that up to 60 per cent of individual variation in caries experience can be attributed to heritable factors. Advances in genetic mapping have identified variants in genes involved in enamel formation (for example AMELX, TUFT1 and MMP20), immune response (such as TLR2 and VDR) and salivary proteins (including LTF) that modulate susceptibility. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have nominated loci in developmental and signalling pathways—p38‐MAPK and Wnt cascades—and in clusters of taste‐receptor genes that may influence microbial colonisation, dietary preferences and enamel resilience. Functional investigations demonstrate that allelic differences can alter enamel microhardness, host–microbe interactions and local immune defences, thereby shaping caries onset and progression. Recognition of distinct genetic trajectories and caries subtypes promises more accurate risk prediction and personalised prevention strategies, extending from targeted fluoride regimes to tailored dietary advice. As global burdens persist, integrating genetic insights with microbiome and environmental data offers a path towards more effective and equitable oral health interventions.

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Genetic Influences on Dental Caries Susceptibility publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in genetic influences on dental caries susceptibility across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Genome-wide association study (GWAS): A method to scan the genome for common genetic variations associated with a trait.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A variation at a single base pair in DNA that may influence gene function or regulation.

Heritability: The proportion of total variation in a trait explained by genetic factors in a given population.

Enamel microhardness: A measure of the resistance of tooth enamel to deformation, reflecting its mineral integrity.

Caries trajectory: The pattern of dental decay progression over time within individuals or groups.

References

1. Human genes influence the interaction between Streptococcus mutans and host caries susceptibility: a genome-wide association study in children with primary dentition. International Journal of Oral Science (2019).
2. Enamel Formation Genes Influence Enamel Microhardness Before and After Cariogenic Challenge. PLOS ONE (2012).
3. Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Permanent Tooth Caries Susceptibility to Permanent Tooth Caries in Chinese Adolescent. BioMed Research International (2017).
4. Analysis of the association between lactotransferrin (LTF) gene polymorphism and dental caries. Journal of Applied Oral Science (2010).
5. Heritability of Caries Scores, Trajectories, and Disease Subtypes. Journal of Dental Research (2020).
6. Chosen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of enamel formation genes and dental caries in a population of Polish children.. Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (2017).
7. Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of dental caries in diverse populations. BMC Oral Health (2021).