title: [Caries and heredity].
abstract: Although host genes play a certain role, the development of carious lesions is determined predominantly by local influences in the oral cavity, especially by microbial plaque and dietary carbohydrates as substrate for acidogenic bacteria. How strong or weak the influence of the hereditary component on caries really is, has been the subject of discussions for the last decades. The geneticist Professor Sofear is optimistic about prospects to decrease the caries risk by manipulation of genes. However, more detailed analysis of known facts shows that the majority of genetic differences is caused by indirectly operating mechanisms. Furthermore, these genetic factors can be overruled by local protective and compensating influences.
authors.affiliation: Vakgroep Parodontologie en Preventieve Tandheelkunde, Katholieke Universiteit, postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen.
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: König
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005459:Fluorides / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D005459:Fluorides