Recent progress in the field of molecular biology and techniques of DNA sequence analysis allowed determining the meaning of hereditary factors of many common human diseases. Studies of genetic mechanisms in the aetiology of caries encompass, primarily, 4 main groups of genes responsible for (1) the development of enamel, (2) formation and composition of saliva, (3) immunological responses, and (4) carbohydrate metabolism. The aim of this study was to present current knowledge about the influence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic variants on the occurrence of dental caries. PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for papers on the influence of genetic factors connected with SNP on the occurrence of dental caries in children, teenagers, and adults. Thirty original papers written in English were included in this review. Study groups ranged from 30 to 13,000 subjects. SNPs were observed in 30 genes. Results of the majority of studies confirm the participation of hereditary factors in the aetiology of caries. Three genes, AMELX, AQP5, and ESRRB, have the most promising evidence based on multiple replications and data, supporting a role of these genes in caries. The review of the literature proves that SNP is linked with the aetiology of dental caries.

Treatment with glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome can be the cause of developmental disorders of the masticatory organ and bone or teeth abnormalities. The aim was to assess the frequency and type of dental abnormalities and the correlation of their occurrence with a dosage of glucocorticoids and treatment time in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. The study group consisted of 31 patients aged 5 to 17 diagnosed with idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome and 33 overall healthy children. The studies included clinical evaluation of dentition, radiologic diagnostics, and statistical analysis. In the study group, 77.4% of patients were diagnosed with abnormalities in dental development. Tooth number disorders, presence of persistent deciduous teeth and impacted teeth, abnormal crown or root shape, developmental defects of enamel, pulp stones, and bone structure disorders were identified. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the average treatment time of glucocorticoids in patients without and with tooth developmental abnormalities. Long-term use of glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome promotes the occurrence of developmental abnormalities of the teeth, calcification of the pulp, and disorders of bone tissue metabolism. For this reason, patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome should be under the constant care of a dentist.

Preand probiotics may help restore a dysbiotic oral ecosystem. The first years of life provide a window of opportunity to modulate the composition of the oral microbiota and prevent disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a tablet containing inactivated Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 5317 and the cranberry extract on the development of caries in cariesactive preschool children. The study employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design. Preschool children (N = 73) with at least one active carious lesion were enrolled and randomly assigned to the test group or the placebo group. The intervention period was 3 months. Caries was assessed according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria at baseline and after 9 months, and oral hygiene was evaluated with the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. were determined at baseline, and then after 3 and 9 months through the conventional cultivation on TYCSB and MRS agar, respectively. Sixty children completed the trial (a dropout rate of 19%). The baseline caries prevalence was high in both groups (~71%) and there were no major differences between the groups with regard to background variables. The 9-month incidence of initial carious lesions (ICDAS 1+2) was significantly lower in the test group as compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). The plaque levels, and the salivary counts of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. remained unchanged in both groups throughout the study. A daily intake of a tablet containing a paraprobiotic and the cranberry extract reduced the 9-month incidence of initial non-cavitated carious lesions in caries-active preschool children. The present study is one of the first to show the impact of synbiotics on the development of caries in children.

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aims to investigate the potential association between vitamin D levels and the occurrence of developmental enamel defects (DDE) in children, including conditions like molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPMs). DDEs, which occur during tooth development, can result in significant aesthetic and functional issues, and their exact etiology remains unclear, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing. Among environmental factors, vitamin D deficiency has been proposed as a possible risk factor, given its role in enamel mineralization. Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The search strategy included terms such as “vitamin D”, “vitamin D deficiency”, “developmental defects of enamel”, “enamel hypoplasia”, “molar-incisor hypomineralization”, and “hypomineralized second primary molars”. Studies were included if they were original human observational research (cohort, case–control, or cross-sectional) conducted in children under 18 years of age or involving maternal–child cohorts. Ten studies were included in the analysis, with a total of 15,891 participants. The primary data extracted from the selected studies included the following: study design, participants’ age, sample size, vitamin D status in relation to developmental defects of enamel, and statistical significance Results: The findings were mixed, with only a few studies suggesting a significant association between low vitamin D levels and the presence of DDEs. Specifically, one study found a link between insufficient maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy and an increased number of teeth affected by MIH in children. However, the majority of the studies did not report a significant association. Conclusions: This review concludes that while there is some evidence to suggest a possible relationship between vitamin D and DDEs, more research is needed to confirm these findings and better understand the underlying mechanisms.

Objectives: Carbonic anhydrase (CA) VI is supposed to take part in pH or buffering capacity regulation, which can influence the caries risk of an individual. Its expression in the saliva can be modified by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The aim was to investigate SNP in the CA VI gene in relation to active dental caries and physiochemical properties of saliva. Materials and methods: One hundred and thirty participants aged 11–16 years were involved. Clinical examinations were carried out using standardized WHO criteria, DMFT/DMFS and white spot lesions score was evaluated. Saliva samples were examined for salivary properties and CA VI concentration. DNA evaluated in the investigation was extracted from the buccal smear. Three SNP within CAVI gene (rs2274327; rs2274328; rs2274333) were selected and genotyping was performed. Results: In the active caries group, the mean CAVI concentration was significantly lower than in caries free group (p = .014). No association between increased or decreased risk of caries and analysed SNPs was found. There were some significant relations concerning SNPs and salivary buffer capacity and flow rate in rs2274327 and rs2274328. Conclusions: Polymorphism in the CAVI gene can affect salivary properties but there is no direct connection with dental caries.