Association between genetic polymorphisms and dental age variation: a systematic review

Background: The study aimed to perform a systematic review to elucidate the scientific evidence supporting the association between genetic polymorphisms and variation in dental age. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Virtual Health Library, and other sources. Observational studies assessing the association between genetic polymorphisms and dental age variation were included. Study quality was assessed using the Q-Genie tool. Data from primary studies were synthesized narratively and statistically. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Results: From the initial search, five studies with sample sizes ranging from 37 to 177 participants (total n = 472), met the inclusion criteria. All studies were of good quality and used Demirjian’s method to assess dental age. In total, 31 polymorphisms across 19 candidate genes were analyzed. Only two genetic polymorphisms were associated with dental age variation: Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF18 rs4073716) and Transforming Growth Factor, Beta-1 (TGFB1 rs4803455). The certainty of evidence was very low for all outcomes evaluated. Conclusions: Based on the current evidence, there is no consistent or reliable association between genetic polymorphisms and dental age variation. Although two specific polymorphisms were associated with dental age variation in individual studies, the very low certainty of evidence prevents drawing definitive conclusions. Further robust and well-designed studies are needed to clarify this potential association. The PROSPERO Registration: The review was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and the registration number CRD420251041224 was assigned to it.

Genetic polymorphisms; Age determination by teeth; Dental development; Dental age; Systematic review

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