evolutionary change is working to decrease the human dentition by the loss of an incisor, premolar and molar in each quadrant. According to Vastardis (2000), the size of jaws and number of teeth seem to decrease along with human evolution. Theories focusing on anatomical principle, hypothesised that specific areas of the dental lamina are especially prone to environmental effects during tooth maturation. Svinhufvud et al. (1988) suggested that teeth that were more prone to absence developed in areas of initial fusion of the jaw. For instance, maxillary lateral incisors originate where the lateral maxillae and medial nasal bone processes fuse. In contrast, Kjaer et al. (1994) suggested regions where innervation developed were more sensitive than areas of fusion. Commonly affected regions were found to undergo innervation last, this might imply the developmental relationship between nerve and hard tissue. It is thought to be local nerve development that affects tooth agenesis rather than global development, as brainstem anomalies have not been seen to affect tooth development. Presently, the role of polygenic and environmental factors on hypodontia is recognised in most theories. Environmental factors Environmental factors can be classified into two main groups, invasive and non-invasive. These factors act additively or independently, ultimately affecting positioning and physical development of the tooth. Invasive environmental factors potentially affect tooth development and positioning leading to hypodontia and impaction. Examples include jaw fractures, surgical procedures and extraction of the preceding deciduous tooth. Treatment such as irradiation has been shown to have severe effects on developing teeth. In a smaller capacity, chemotherapy was also found to have a similar effect. Thalidomide (N-phthaloylglutamine) was also discovered to have a causative effect on mothers who took the drug during pregnancy, resulting in congenitally missing teeth in their children. A link was found between systemic diseases, endocrine disruption (i.e. idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism) and ectodermal dysplasia. However, a definite etiological relationship has yet to be established. Examples of infections include rubella and candida. Exposure to PCBs (such as dioxin), allergies, and toxic epidermal necrolysis folloeing a drug reaction may also be contributing factors. In a recent study assessing environmental risk factors for hypodontia, it was established that maternal smoking does play a causative role in hypodontia. Passive smoking and caffeine were also assessed but showed no statistical significance. The Journal of the American Dental Association published preliminary data suggesting a statistical association between hypodontia of the permanent teeth and epithelial