Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Assessment of the oral health status of monozygotic and dizygotic twins - a comparative study
F Delfin Lovelina1, Shivakumar M Shastri, P D Madan Kumar
1Public Health Dentistry, Ragas Dental College, Chennai, 600040, India. delfin_lovelina@yahoo.co.in
Purpose:
To assess the oral health status and concordance between monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs.
Materials And Methods:
After obtaining prior consent, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 9 monozygotic and 21 dizygotic twin pairs who were reared together. Perception towards oral health practices was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The WHO oral health assessment form (1997) was employed to assess the oral health status. Zygosity determination was determined using the medical records, dermatoglyphics and details about chorionicity and number of placental cords. Pearson's correlation was calculated to determine the correlation among the monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs.
Results:
The monozygotic twin pairs showed a greater correlation compared to the dizygotic twin pairs in dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion.
Conclusion:
In the present study, monozygotic twin pairs showed a higher correlation rate than the dizygotic twin pairs, suggesting considerable evidence that genes play a significant role in the aetiology of dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Case Studies
