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08:20
Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
Who Gets Dental Caries? A Comprehensive Review
Svante Twetman1,2, William Papaioannou3, Sotiria Gizani2
1Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Dentistry Journal
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Identifying children
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Dental caries is the most common global non-communicable disease.
- Its etiology is multifactorial, involving social, behavioral, medical, biological, and economic factors.
- Accurate risk assessment is crucial for early intervention in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review risk factors for dental caries development in children.
- To analyze data from global prospective birth cohorts, genetic studies, and validated risk assessment tools.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prospective birth cohorts.
- Analysis of genetic studies on caries susceptibility.
- Evaluation of data from validated caries risk assessment tools.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors contribute significantly (35-55%) to caries variation in young permanent dentition.
- Poverty, socioeconomic status, early excessive sugar intake, prolonged breastfeeding, child obesity, and maternal oral health are key risk factors.
- Past caries history, behavioral, and social factors are strong clinical predictors.
Conclusions:
- Validated caries risk assessment tools are reliable for childhood and improve clinical practice.
- These tools facilitate structured risk communication and personalized family interventions.
- Focusing on maternal oral health and sugar reduction is vital for a child's caries prevention.
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