Caries Experience in Individuals With Williams–Beuren Syndrome: An Exploratory Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Introduction and aims Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder associated with oral and craniofacial abnormalities that may increase susceptibility to dental caries. However, the burden of caries experience in individuals with WBS has not been systematically synthesized. This exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the available evidence on caries experience in individuals with WBS. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to March 10, 2026. Studies reporting extractable caries-related data in individuals with WBS were eligible. Caries experience was broadly defined as the presence of untreated caries and/or caries-related restorations. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case series. A single-proportion random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Results Of 610 records identified, 7 case-series studies comprising 158 individuals with WBS were included. The pooled estimate of broadly defined caries experience was 48% (95% confidence interval: 30%-65%), with substantial heterogeneity ( I 2 = 82.81%). The 95% prediction interval was 11.69% to 82.05%. Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested higher estimates in dental-focused studies than in systemic studies, with similar directional patterns observed for sample size and caries reporting format. Conclusion Available case-series evidence suggests that broadly defined caries experience may be common in individuals with WBS. However, the evidence base is sparse and heterogeneous, and the pooled estimate should be interpreted cautiously as a preliminary descriptive summary rather than a precise prevalence benchmark. Clinical relevance Individuals with WBS may require early preventive dental care, regular caries surveillance, and treatment planning adapted to their medical, behavioural, and sensory characteristics.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. International Dental Journal, 2026 · DOI ↗