Various factors, both internal and external, lead to the development of caries. Today, the study of molecular genetic predictors of disease, including dental caries, has become widespread. We searched for literature sources in domestic and foreign scientometric databases in order to study the current state of the molecular genetic mechanisms of dental caries. Studies of the inheritance of dental caries in children using the twin method have clearly shown the key role of genetic markers in the development of the disease. Predisposition or resistance to caries may be the result of one or more genotypes, phenotypes and environmental influences. Tooth enamel is one of the most mineralized tissues in vertebrates, which is characterized by high strength and high compactness. Enamel formation is the result of a series of ectomesenchymal interactions. Enamel defects occur as a result of disturbances in the formation of teeth and can lead to changes in the formation of enamel or calcification of the organic matrix. Particular attention should be paid to enamel defects that occur as a result of disorders in the formation of teeth and can lead to changes in the formation of enamel or calcification of the organic matrix. Insufficiently mineralized or irregular enamel structure can lead to caries. Differential genetic factors on different anatomical structures of teeth, different surfaces of deciduous and permanent teeth also contribute to the development of carious lesions. In addition to defective mineralization, genotypic variations also make enamel more vulnerable. Numerous studies have established the role of inheritance of dental caries and identified the main genes that ensure the resistance of enamel to cariogenic factors, the completeness of the composition of saliva and the rate of salivation. Keywords: caries, molecular genetic determinants, amelogenesis genes, dentinogenesis genes.