Dermatoglyphics: An Indicator of Dental Caries in Humans

Abstract

Background: We all know that fingerprints are found in human and some animals and they are unique to all
individuals and remain unchanged over the life time. Today the study of the fingerprints has crossed its traditional
realms and is being widely used as an adjunct in medical and dental fields to diagnose conditions with a suspected
genetic base.
Aim & Objective: 1. To record and evaluate the Dermatoglyphics pattern in subjects attending OPD of Buddha
Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Patna, Bihar. 2. To identify and compare the type of Dermatoglyphics
pattern associated with dental caries. 3. To find association (if any) between different Dermatoglyphics patterns
and Dental caries.
Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in OPD of Buddha Institute of Dental Sciences
& Hospital, Patna among simple random sample of 76 OPD Patient in the age group of 18-40 years after satisfying
the inclusion & exclusion criteria. The data was collected using a proforma consisting of demographic details,
oral hygiene practices, Sugar consumption, fingerprints format and WHO ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT FORM
(2013) was used to assess the Dentition status of the individual. Dermatoglyphic (Fingerprints) of the study subject
were recorded using the Ink Method described by Cummin and Midlo & dermatoglyphic patterns were analyzed
with the help of a magnifying glass (10×) under guidance of fingerprint expert. Data were collected, compiled
& tabulated using Microsoft excel & analyzed by Chi-square test & independent sample T test with p < 0.05 as
statistically significant.
Result: Prevalence of dental caries was highest among subjects with whorl pattern (3.59±2.18) followed by Loop
pattern (2.73±1.56) whereas the subjects with Arch pattern shows lowest prevalence of dental caries (1.39±1.28) &
this result came out to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: From this study it is clear that Dental caries susceptibility of an individual increases in the subject
having Whorl pattern & thus there is a definite correlation between fingerprint patterns and dental caries.