Epigenetics and dental enamel development: a scoping review / Epigenética e desenvolvimento do esmalte dentário: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review to systematically map the research done in the role of epigenetic factors on enamel development. Methods: Articles that reported relevant data among the role of epigenetics on enamel development/formation or enamel defects were selected. The data from the included studies were compiled and organized. The search strategy retrieved a total of 263 titles and abstract. Upon exclusion, only 53 articles were eligible for full article assessment. Results: After the selection process, only 12 articles were included in the scoping review. The first studies were published in 2010, while the most recent studies were published in 2021. The studies have different aims and designs and none of them evaluated human population. Conclusion: Future studies in this subject are recommended to unravel the role of epigenetic factors in normal and abnormal enamel development as well as in the development enamel defect.