Scientists Find discovery of Genes That Shape People's Teeth.

Daniel Molinos

A study published in US News by Dennis Thompson Health Day Reporter. 

    Ever wondered why your teeth are shaped the way they are? Researchers identified 18 genes that influence tooth development, including 17 that had not previously been connected to dental traits. Researchers analyzed data from around 900 volunteers in Colombia, all of whom had a mix of European, Native American, and African ancestry, using 3D scans to measure tooth crowns and compare those measurements with people's genetics. Researchers also found a gene variant likely inherited from Neanderthals that came from interbreeding with early humans. This gene was mainly found in people of European ancestry and is associated with thinner incisors, which are the front teeth you use to bite into food. Researchers also discovered the gene EDAR, typically found in East Asian populations, which is known to influence tooth width. With that information, the study also showed that people of European ancestry tend to have smaller teeth overall. Researchers are still not sure if these genes were selected during evolution, but the findings help researchers gain a better understanding of human evolution. This research also has potential medical benefits, since some genes responsible for normal differences in tooth size can also contribute to dental problems. This research may help dentists use genetics to diagnose dental issues or potentially develop gene therapies to treat their patients. 

Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-12-17/scientists-identify-genes-that-shape-peoples-teeth

Another Source: Scientists Identify Genes That Shape People's Teeth

The Relation of Tooth Shape and Genetics

 

A study published in the journal Current Biology found that there are a group of genes that influence the shape of one's teeth. Interestingly, one of those genes can be linked to being inherited from Neandethals.

If you look carefully, you might be able to notice that the people in your life have similar or differing tooth shapes depending on their ethnic background. This study shows that that observation can actually be backed by science. 

17 new genes were discovered to have been linked to tooth development, with one being believed to derive from Neanderthals. The Neanderthal tooth gene was found to only impact those with European descent, displaying as teeth that are typically smaller and thinner, specifically the incisors, than other ethnic groups. It was also found that a gene that affects incossr shape in East Asians tends to affect the width as well.

I have actually noticed this myself. As someone with Asian descent, I have particularly thicker front teeth with a shallow cup shape on the posterior side, rather than completely flat teeth.

While fun and interesting, this new information on the genes that influence tooth shape can actually go as far as to aide in overall dental understanding and improving dental care. For instance, particularly difficult dental issues could possibly undergo genetic testing and be treated using gene therapies aimed at the particular tooth gene that is affected. 

There is still much to learn about the genetics of tooth formation, but these findings help us better understand human evolution and possibly find better treatments to existing dental issues.

New Article Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-12-17/scientists-identify-genes-that-shape-peoples-teeth

More on Genetics and Oral Health: https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/genetics-and-oral-health

The Genes that Shape People’s Teeth

 On December 17, 2024, HealthDay U.S. News published an article about a group of genes that influences the shape of a person’s teeth. The article explains how a study published by Current Biology found that there are 18 sets of genes that drive a person’s teeth shape and that 17 of those genes had not been previously associated with tooth development. They also believe that one of these genes had been inherited from Neanderthals. The study analyzed dental crown measurements and genetic information of the participants, and they found that the Neanderthal gene was only found in people with European ancestry. Those who were carriers for the variant had thinner incisors.

Courtesy of Royal Belgian Institute of Nature Sciences

After reading this article, I find it fascinating that the genes related to tooth development have only recently been discovered. I also find it interesting that groups of people would have different gene variants and tooth sizes especially now that everyone's diets are relatively similar to one another. It makes sense that thousands of years ago different species would have differently shaped teeth for their diets, but it’s curious that human teeth have not become more similar as diets began to merge.