Utility of Dermatoglyphic Pattern in Prediction of Caries in Children of Telangana Region, India.

INTRODUCTION: Dermatoglyphics is an extremely useful tool as a preliminary investigation method for diagnosing suspected genetic disorders. Caries being a multifactorial disease with the influence of genetic pattern, early identification of caries risk children with dermatoglyphics can help in using effective and efficient caries preventive measures.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study was undertaken to record and know the frequency of occurrence of fingerprint patterns among children with caries and in children without caries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 schoolchildren in the age group of 5 to 12 years were selected from a private school, Warangal, Telangana, India. Of 400 schoolchildren, 200 children were with caries group and 200 children were in caries-free group. Children with dental caries in five or more teeth based on the decayed, missing, filled teeth index performed were considered as study group, and the control group was normal healthy children without any dental caries. The fingerprints of each child were recorded using stamp pad method, and type of dermatoglyphic pattern of each digit was recorded based on Cummins and Midlo method. Data obtained were put for statistical analysis; p < 0.001 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Although the frequency of whorl pattern was more prevalent in caries group, it was statistically significant on the left hand third digit of females and on the right hand third digit and the left hand fourth digit of males. Fingerprints of female caries-free group showed maximum of ulnar loop and males showed maximum of arches. There was a decrease in total ridge count in caries group, especially in males.

CONCLUSION: Dermatoglyphics could be an appropriate method to explore the possibility of a noninvasive and an early predictor for dental caries.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dermatoglyphics has a future role in identifying people with or at increased risk for dental caries so that risk reduction measures or earlier therapy may be instituted.