New research has explored the development of enamel and dentin, and how it impacts some rare craniofacial disorders. These craniofacial disorders are examples of Mendelian genetic disorders – many of which are rare, but challenging to live with. Therefore, the researchers hope that their findings will add to ongoing efforts to improve treatment outcomes for those with such disorders.
New research has involved the analysis of teeth in an effort to uncover information and knowledge about rare craniofacial disorders that affect children [1].
The craniofacial conditions are examples of Mendelian genetic disorders. Learning more about these conditions is a key goal for scientists, with the disorders having a substantial impact on those with them.
The findings will provide the researchers with enhanced knowledge on these disorders, which will hopefully contribute to better treatment outcomes for those with such conditions.
What are mendelian genetic disorders?
Mendelian genetic disorders refer to a wide range of disorders present from birth. They are caused by mutations in a single gene.
Well-known examples of mendelian genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s Disease, and hemophilia [2].
However, this research was focused on craniofacial mendelian genetic disorders. These are disorders involving oral health. Cleft lip and palate conditions are the best-known of these disorders.
But there are a range of craniofacial disorders, many of which are very rare. For example, these include Treacher Collins Syndrome, Pfeiffer Synsrome, and Aase-Smith Syndrome among others [3].
These conditions can involve malformations of the mouth, abnormal facial features, and bone problems [3]. These inevitably have an impact on oral health, with many children with these conditions being predisposed to poor oral health.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Their findings have been published in the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal [1].
The researchers wanted to uncover how teeth, as a biological material, hold key information about rare craniofacial disorders that develop during childhood [1].
To find this out, the team utilized rodent teeth. The researchers explained that mouse models of these disorders are able to mimic the human versions of craniofacial genetic disorders.
Specifically, the team studied incisors from mice. Therefore, this allowed them to study enamel formation over time, offering interesting insights.
They combined various scientific areas like materials science, mineralogy, and human genetics to map out enamel and dentin development [1].
As part of their analysis, the team used a nanoindenter, which is a device used in the field of geology to test the hardness of the rocks [1]. But rather than testing the hardness of rocks, the team wanted to test tiny sections of tooth enamel.
The team used techniques like nanoindentation, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy [1].
These techniques enabled them to measure a range of elements of the teeth. For example, this included the tooth enamel’s elasticity and stiffness to mineral contents [1].
The team’s findings revealed patterns of mechanical, chemical, and elemental changes across the incisor in enamel and dentin [1].
The team noted that magnesium, iron, and the carbon-to-phosphate ratio was closely associated with enamel. Meanwhile, magnesium composition was linked to dentin [1].
Furthermore, the researchers concluded that the results suggests that mineral composition has the main impact on mechanical properties, rather than vice versa [1].
These findings allowed the researchers to improve their understanding of the development of enamel and dentin, as well as the subsequent impact on genetic diseases [1].
Summary
The researchers were pleased with the outcome of their research. They were able to gain several insights from their findings.
It could help in the future with improving detection rates and planning treatment options for those with rare genetic diseases. This would hopefully have the impact of improving their oral health, both in the short term and long term.
Kyle Vining, who is an assistant professor at Penn Dental Medicine, was one of the researchers. Vining commented, saying that the team were “excited to be able to integrate tools of materials science to learn about the properties of tooth development” [4].
Continuing, Vining said that “our work lays the foundation for further studies that could lead to diagnostic tools or even new materials for fillings that prevent decay” [4].
Overall, this research should be helpful towards the overall goal of improving the oral health of those with such disorders. Therefore, these findings represent a positive step.
Thinking points…
[1] Our teeth, as shown above, can tell us a lot! It is very important that we look after them. As part of this, a crucial element of this is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!
[2] Do you know anyone that has a craniofacial disorder? If so, they may be interested in this article. It is positive to see more research being undertaken into this subject area, with many people impacted by these disorders. You could help to raise awareness further, either by sharing the article with someone you know, or on your social media profiles. We’d love you to share this article now!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Jiang, Y., Katsura, K. A., Badt, N. Z., et al. (2025). Multimodal Characterization of Rodent Dental Development. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 17 (23): p33745-33755. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5c08408.
[2] NCIB. (2010). Understanding Genetics: A District of Columbia Guide for Patients and Health Professionals. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK132145/. Last accessed: 24th July 2025.
[3] Hart, T. C., & Hart, P. S. (2009). Genetic studies of craniofacial anomalies: clinical implications and applications. Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research. 12 (3): p212-220. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-6343.2009.01455.x.
[4] Lock, L. (2025). What ever-growing incisors can teach us about genetic disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-incisors-genetic-disease.html. Last accessed: 24th July 2025.
