Twin and family studies on epigenetics and oral health

Abstract

Abstract As most common oral conditions and diseases have complex genetic and environmental etiologies, twin and family studies have been utilized for decades to explore the relative contribution of each to disease susceptibility. In the omic-era they offer exciting potential to utilize emerging scientific and analytical techniques to give valuable insight into disease mechanisms and develop novel approaches to disease prevention and management. This chapter will review the application of twin and family studies to understanding risk, etiology, disease mechanisms and epigenetics and several aspects of oral health, including childhood dental caries, periodontal disease, and craniofacial development; and identify future directions for research.