Children born to parents who are second cousins or closer face a significantly higher risk of developing dental abnormalities, according to a new study published in BMC Oral Health. [1]
The study found a strong association between parental consanguinity and developmental dental anomalies, structural defects that arise during tooth development. Root dilaceration and enamel pearls were identified as the most frequently observed conditions.
Consanguineous marriage, defined as a union between second cousins or closer relatives, remains common in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. In India, such marriages are particularly prevalent in some southern states, including Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Although the practice has declined over time, researchers note that genetic relatedness in consanguineous unions increases the risk of autosomal recessive disorders and congenital anomalies. [2]
While the health implications of consanguinity have been widely documented for systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders, its impact on oral health has received comparatively limited attention.
Developmental dental anomalies affect the number, size, shape, and eruption of teeth and can occur in isolation or as part of broader genetic syndromes. These conditions may complicate dental treatment and, in some cases, affect long-term oral health outcomes.
The researchers [1] analysed data from 814 adults aged 18 years and older, divided equally between individuals with a history of parental consanguinity and those without. All participants underwent clinical and radiographic examinations.
The prevalence of developmental dental anomalies was more than twice as high among individuals from consanguineous marriages (64.1 per cent) as in the non-consanguineous group (28.7 per cent). Dilacerations, enamel pearls, and talon cusps were the most common findings, while anomalies such as microdontia, taurodontism, and supernumerary teeth were less frequent. The maxilla was the most commonly affected region.
The study identified consanguineous marriage as the strongest independent factor associated with specific developmental dental anomalies.
Researchers said the findings underline the importance of early dental screening, particularly among younger individuals and females, who showed higher rates of anomaly detection in the study.
Dental professionals are encouraged to consider family and parental marriage history during routine assessments. Targeted clinical and radiographic examination of the maxilla may aid early identification of commonly associated anomalies.
The authors noted that greater awareness of genetic and sociocultural factors associated with consanguinity could support preventive strategies, patient counselling, and improved oral health outcomes in populations where the practice remains widespread.
References:
1. Eğilmez Özkılıç, G., Katı, E. Impact of consanguineous marriage on developmental dental anomalies: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-07606-7
2. Kundu S, Jana A. Consanguineous marriage and associated diseases among their children and grandchildren in India: evidence from large-scale data. J Biosoc Sci. 2024 Jul;56(4):796-808. doi: 10.1017/S0021932024000178. Epub 2024 May 27. PMID: 38800853.
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