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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
Dental caries risk in children is influenced by genetics, socioeconomic factors, and early life habits. Validated tools help identify high-risk children for personalized interventions, improving oral health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Dental caries is the most common global non-communicable disease.
- Its complex etiology involves social, behavioral, medical, biological, and economic factors.
- Accurate risk assessment tools are crucial for identifying at-risk children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review risk factors for childhood dental caries.
- To synthesize findings from global birth cohorts, genetic studies, and risk assessment tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of prospective birth cohorts.
- Analysis of genetic research on caries susceptibility.
- Evaluation of data from validated caries risk assessment tools.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors (enamel quality, saliva, biofilm, taste) may explain 35-55% of caries variation.
- Poverty, low socioeconomic status, and excessive sugar intake are significant predictors.
- Prolonged breastfeeding, obesity, and maternal oral health are linked to later caries burden.
Conclusions:
- Validated caries risk assessment tools are reliable for childhood, aiding clinical objectivity and documentation.
- These tools facilitate structured risk communication and personalized family interventions.
- Focusing on maternal oral health and sugar reduction is key for prevention.
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