Genetics is the study of genes at all levels from molecules to populations.
Common dental diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion
are influenced by environmental factors. However, even in these diseases, the genetic
aspects that influence the degree of susceptibility should not be overlooked. Dental
practitioners would find value in understanding the genetic contribution to caries risk
as they would be able to explain to patients that some forms of decay are more strongly
associated with inherited risk and these patients could be monitored more closely and
provided with more aggressive preventive programs.
Keywords: Chromosome, Dental diseases, Genetic counselling, Genetics, Syndromes.
