Early human DNA could impact tooth characteristics

Researchers have found that some dental traits could be determined by ancient genetic factors.

In a genome-wide association study published in Current Biology, the researchers analyzed the dental measurements and genetic data from 882 Colombian volunteers of mixed European, Native American and African ancestry. They measured the mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter and crown height of the teeth.

The researchers identified 18 genetic regions controlling variation in human tooth dimensions. For instance, the HS3ST3A1 gene region was inherited from Neanderthals and affects upper incisor width, the PITX2 gene was found to influence premolar width, and variants in the EDAR gene increased tooth width following an anterior-posterior gradient.

The findings were subsequently validated in a cohort of Chilean participants. The researchers suggested that tooth dimensions varied by continental ancestry. The participants with European ancestry exhibited smaller tooth size compared with those with Native American or African ancestry.

Read. more: Current Biology

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.