Dentists have discovered that there is a contribution of genetic factors to the risk of tooth decay. They would find it useful to understand the genetic contribution to caries risk for at least two reasons. First, they could explain to patients that certain forms of decay are more strongly associated with hereditary risk. This would help explain to the patient and dentist why people with similar behavioral risks (e.g., toothbrushing frequency or dietary habits) have different rates of caries. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayTooth decay is a multifactorial infectious disease, with many contributing environmental factors, there is also strong evidence of a genetic component in the etiology of this disease. disease. Information from the human genome and other related technologies such as microbial genomics will contribute to both the etiology and susceptibility to these diseases. The incidence of dental caries depends on host factors that may be related to the structure of dental enamel, the immunological response to cariogenic bacteria, or the composition of saliva. Numerous reports have described a potential genetic contribution to dental caries risk. Twin studies (studies by Neale and Cardon, 1992), families, and animal models have all indicated that caries has a genetic component. Evidence for a genetic contribution to caries rests on four questions examining the inheritance that has altered dental hard tissues; the immune response; sugar metabolism and consumption; salivary flow, salivary constituents; & salivary defense systems. There is growing evidence that there are relationships between genetic risk factors between dental caries and an individual's phenotypic expression, explaining that a genetic defect directly changes the structure of the tooth and makes it more susceptible to dental caries. Hereditary disorders of dental development with impaired enamel structure increase the incidence of dental caries. A specific genetic link has not been determined for all syndromes of impaired dental development. An impaired immune response to cariogenic bacteria may also increase the incidence of caries. Evidence supports the link between impaired tooth enamel development and increased susceptibility to dental caries. Increased enamel porosity, colonization of cariogenic bacteria. decreased mineral content and the presence of enamel crystal-inhibiting proteins are all directly linked to the risk of tooth decay. Individual genes can provide multiple proteins, each with a different set of properties. Protein variation may contribute to susceptibility to dental caries if a specific protein or set of different proteins results in a change in host target, host immune response, or salivary interacting factors. Additionally, information on genome-wide association of genetic markers with dental caries susceptibility and associated phenotypes may in fact become possible through the recent decoding of the human genome. Identification of genetic risk factors will help screen and identify susceptible patients to better understand the contribution of genes to caries etiopathogenesis. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay.