Assessment of the Oral Health Status of Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins - A Comparative Study

Purpose: To assess the oral health status and concordance between monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs. Materials and Methods: After obtaining prior consent, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 9 monozygotic and 21 dizygotic twin pairs who were reared together. Perception towards oral health practices was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The WHO oral health assessment form (1997) was employed to assess the oral health status. Zygosity determination was determined using the medical records, dermatoglyphics and details about chorionicity and number of placental cords. Pearson's correlation was calculated to determine the correlation among the monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs. Results: The monozygotic twin pairs showed a greater correlation compared to the dizygotic twin pairs in dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion. Conclusion: In the present study, monozygotic twin pairs showed a higher correlation rate than the dizygotic twin pairs, suggesting considerable evidence that genes play a significant role in the aetiology of dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion. Keywords: dental diseases, environment, genetics, monozygotic twins