Association between Genetic Polymorphisms in Enamel Formation Genes and Environmental Factors with Caries Experience

Objective: The etiology of dental caries involves both environmental and host-related factors. This study aims to evaluate the effect of enamel formation genes (AMELX, ENAM, and AMBN), environmental factors, and their combined influence on caries experience in adults.. Methods: A Case-Control Study was conducted including 114 adults aged 20-65 years. Data regarding oral hygiene habits were obtained through patient declaration. Data regarding caries, plaque and saliva were obtained through clinical examination. Genomic DNA was isolated from saliva. Patients were divided into two groups according to caries experience. Environmental factors (age; amount of plaque; tooth brushing duration; consumption of sugary drinks and foods; use of fluoride toothpaste, fluoride mouthwash and dental floss; Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts) and host factors (saliva flow rat, pH, buffering capacity and AMELX, ENAM and AMBN) were examined. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate genotype distributions. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression with SPSS. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in AMELX, ENAM or AMBN Allele and genotype frequencies between groups in selected subjects in Turkey. There was no significant association between the groups with regard to salivary flow rate or consumption of sugary drinks and food. All other factors were found to be associated with high caries experience. Conclusion: When environmental factors and genotypes were evaluated together using multivariate regression analysis, It was determined that increased age, high plaque levels, and the absence of fluoride mouthwash use increased the likelihood of high caries experience. Keywords: AMELX, ENAM, AMBN, Genetic Polymorphism, Caries experience