Patients who suffer from oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), which is caused by mutations in Cx43/GJα1, present oral dysfunction, including oral clefting, numerous cavities and tooth loss.91 Cx43 and Cx32 are related to differentiation and growth during the early phase of submandibular gland development. The gene discussed is GJA1; the disease is oculodentodigital dysplasia.