GENETIC-ASPECTS OF DENTAL DISORDERS

This paper reviews past and present applications of quantitative and m olecular genetics to dental disorders. Examples are given relating to craniofacial development (including malocclusion), oral supporting tis sues (including periodontal diseases) and dental hard tissues (includi ng defects of enamel and dentine as well as dental caries). Future dev elopments and applications to clinical dentistry are discussed. Early investigations confirmed genetic bases to dental caries, periodontal d iseases and malocclusion, but research findings have had little impact on clinical practice. The complex multifactorial aetiologies of these conditions, together with methodological problems, have limited progr ess until recently. Present studies are clarifying previously unrecogn ized genetic and phenotypic heterogeneities and attempting to unravel the complex interactions between genes and environment by applying new statistical modelling approaches to twin and family data. Linkage stu dies using highly polymorphic DNA markers are providing a means of loc ating candidate genes, including quantitative trait loci (QTL). In fut ure, as knowledge increases; it should be possible to implement preven tive; strategies for those genetically-predisposed individuals who are identified to be at risk.