Impact of consanguineous marriage on developmental dental anomalies: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Consanguineous marriage (CM) is recognized as a contributing factor to various systemic disorders and congenital anomalies. Although CM has been associated with some dental conditions, its impact on developmental dental anomalies (DDAs) has not been adequately investigated. This study aims to evaluate the association between parental consanguinity and DDAs. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 814 individuals aged 18 years or older. Participants with dental extraction history (excluding third molars), orofacial anomalies, developmental syndromes, or missing diagnostic-quality panoramic radiographs (PRs) were excluded. Group CM consisted of individuals whose parents had a first-degree CM, while group non-consanguineous marriage (NCM) included those without parental CM. All participants underwent clinical examination and PR. The prevalence and types of DDAs were compared between groups. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Individuals with parental consanguinity showed a significantly higher prevalence of DDAs, particularly root dilaceration and enamel pearl. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of having DDAs were 4.39 times higher in the consanguineous group (OR = 4.39; 95% CI: 3.26–5.90; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a strong association between CM and the occurrence of DDAs. Dental practitioners should consider parental consanguinity as a potential risk factor during routine oral assessments, enabling timely identification and appropriate management of such anomalies.