Occlusal variation in Chinese immigrants to the United Kingdom and their offspring

Occlusal variations of immigrant Chinese parents, raised in less developed areas, were compared with their children who were born and bred in the United Kingdom. Of 11 occlusal traits, nine were significantly more variable or less well developed in the offspring. Because genetic factors were unchanged, the deterioration in occlusion in the offspring indicates environmental influences such as dietary consistency, premature deciduous tooth loss from caries and oral respiration.