Research progress on the relationship between enamel-related gene polymorphisms and caries susceptibility

Caries is a frequently occurring oral disease that is caused by chronic, progressive destruction of dental hard tissue. The enamel is the superficial layer of the tooth crown; enamel formation-related genes play an important role in the development of enamel, and enamel demineralization is a prerequisite for the occurrence of caries. Therefore, this paper reviewed the relationship between enamel-related gene polymorphisms and caries susceptibility and its possible mechanisms to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of caries. The results of a literature review showed that the gene polymorphisms related to enamel formation may increase or decrease susceptibility to caries by influencing the development and structure of enamel. For example, ENAM rs3796703 CT can increase the susceptibility to caries, and AMBN rs34538475 TT can reduce the susceptibility to caries. In the future, the detection and analysis of polymorphisms related to enamel formation that affect the structure or development of enamel may serve as a clinical method to evaluate the susceptibility of caries, which is of great significance for the early prevention and treatment of the disease.