Allelic and Genotypic Distribution of -77 A/G Polymorphism in Salvadoran Children With and Without Caries.

: Polymorphisms in metalloproteinases (MMPs) have the potential to be probable genetic biomarkers of dental caries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the A/G rs2252070 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) according to caries experience in Salvadoran children. : A cross-sectional study was carried out on 185 Salvadorian school children between 7 and 12 years of age. Demographic data, frequency of toothbrushing, dental flossing and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were recorded. Caries data were collected by clinical examination. Genomic DNA was obtained from oral cells of the children. Polymorphism genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP. Allele and genotypic frequencies were compared between the healthy and caries-experiencing groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0 using the chi-square test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression analysis. : The allele frequencies of -77 A/G were 0.7 and 0.3 following the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (X = 0.22, = 0.63). 72% of subjects with caries experience were carriers of the A allele. Caries experience was higher for the GG genotype group for permanent and primary surfaces (DMFS = 2.11; dmfs = 5.64) and for permanent teeth (DMFT = 1.50). No significant differences were found in the allelic and/or genotypic frequencies of the SNP polymorphism between subjects with dental caries and healthy subjects ( > 0.05). : The distribution of -77 A/G rs2252070 in the study population showed no association with caries experience. However, our findings highlight the importance of promoting oral hygiene habits from an early age.