Association between Molecular Mechanisms and Tooth Eruption in Children with Obesity

Abstract

Different works have reported earlier permanent teething in obese/overweight children compared to control ones. In contrast, others have reported a delayed permanent teething in undernutrition/underweight children compared to control one. It has been reported that becoming overweight or suffering from obesity can increase gingival pro-inflammatory drive and can affect orthodontic treatment (among other complications). In this sense, little is known about the molecular mechanisms affecting dental eruption timing. Leptin and adiponectin are adipocytokines signaling molecules released in overweight and underweight conditions, respectively. These adipocytokines can modulate osteocyte, odontoblast, and cementoblast activity, even regulating dental lamina initiation. The present review focuses on the molecular approach wherein leptin and adiponectin act as modulators of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx 2) gene regulating dental eruption timing.

Corporeal-composition indicators, and physiological alterations in dental eruption

“…Additionally, the researchers suggested that, in obese subjects, the probability of encountering premature incisors and permanent inferior first molars, is doubled. A significant correlation between body-weight at birth and primary dental eruption was also reported [18].…”

Association of Body Mass Index and Chronology of Tooth Eruption in Children visiting a Dental Hospital in UAE: A Cross-sectional Study

“…The impact of diet, characterized by nutrient-poor but energy-dense choices, and genetic and epigenetic factors further influences tooth development and eruption timing (Javaneh Vejdani et al, 2015 , Chava et al, 2018 ). Chronic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity may also affect signaling pathways regulating tooth eruption, contributing to early permanent tooth emergence ( Traver et al,2022 ). Understanding these interplays has broader implications for pediatric health, as early tooth eruption in obese children may increase susceptibility to decay and misalignment.…”

J Clin Exp Dent

“…In addition, obesity leads to metabolic changes, such as increased insulin secretion and growth factor, which can also play a role in the early tooth eruption ( 23 ). A recently published review brought some light on the orchestra of genes and molecules that possible may help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking obesity and tooth eruption ( 11 ).…”

“…After the cited systematic review, other studies were published with conflicting results. While some authors found that increased body weight was associated with early tooth eruption and advanced dental age ( 11 - 14 ), others revealed contradictory evidence, such as lack of association ( 15 ) or an inverted relationship ( 16 ). Paz-Cortez, 2022 when evaluating a sample of patients between 4-14 years old, showed that body mass index (BMI) did not influence tooth eruption ( 15 ).…”