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© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: An individual’s genetic makeup influences their organ development, orofacial structures, and overall health. Though many studies have been conducted to determine the inheritance of oral diseases and conditions, there is a lack of comprehensive research classifying these disorders based on the genetic and environmental etiology. Methods: This systematic review aimed to analyze the existing body of literature using the PubMed and Cochrane databases and answer the following question: “What evidence exists supporting the role of genetic factors in oral conditions?” This systematic–narrative review methodically categorizes oral diseases and conditions based on their genetic or environmental linkages. Each classification is rigorously supported by the peer-reviewed articles and evidence strength, affirming the sufficient validity of the identified associations. Results: This study provides an overview of how genetics can influence oral health, from predisposition to susceptibility to various oral diseases, and the impact of genetic alterations on dental and oral conditions. Additionally, this study discusses the importance of understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental factors to improve oral health outcomes. An enhanced understanding of the impact of genetics on oral health will provide a better understanding of the implications of inherited or de novo genetic mutations and their potential interactions with environmental factors. Conclusions: The data collection and analysis indicate 25 oral conditions with strong genetic components and 2 with moderate genetic contributions (fibrous dysplasia and impacted teeth), while 14 oral conditions seem to have weak genetic contributions. Treatment planning that includes genetic testing and counseling as an approach of precision oral healthcare is encouraged to develop appropriate preventative and timely treatment plans to provide the effective management of patients’ symptoms.

Details

Title
The Role of Genetics in Human Oral Health: A Systematic–Narrative Review
Author
Joy-Thomas, Anita 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Lalwani, Zarna 1 ; Guajardo, Leticia 2 ; Valenza, John 3 ; Fakhouri, Walid D 4   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

 Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Craniofacial Research, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA; [email protected] 
 Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA; [email protected] 
 Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA; [email protected] 
 Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Craniofacial Research, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA; [email protected]; Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA 
First page
133
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
23046767
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3181422607
Copyright
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.