Using national register data to estimate the heritability of periodontitis

Aim To identify whether periodontal traits derived from electronic dental records are biologically informative and heritable. Materials methods The study included 11,974 adult twins (aged 30–92 years) in the Swedish Twin Registry. Periodontal examinations were retrieved a national register used to derive continuous measures of health. A latent class approach was categorial status. correlation patterns these contrasted monozygotic dizygotic twin pairs using quantitative genetic models estimate heritability traits. Results For traits, estimates ranged between 41.5% 48.3% with highest for number missing tooth surfaces rate change deep pockets (≥6 mm). identified three classes (good health, mild periodontitis signs severe periodontitis) there clear difference hazard subsequent loss classes. Despite this, allocations only slightly more heritable than conventional dichotomous disease definition (45.2% vs. 42.6%). Conclusions Periodontitis is moderately disease. Quantitative an attractive target future association studies.