Journal of Royal Dental College

JRDC

The Official Publication of Royal Dental College 

Iron Hills, Chalissery, Palakkad Dt., Kerala 679536

www.rdcjournal.org; rdcjournal25@gmail.com

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Abstract


Ajish M Saji1, Arun Mohan2, Raihan Hariz3, Ramna TR3, Aparna Vinod3, Aiswarya T3

1Professor & HOD, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Malabar Dental College and Research Centre, Edappal, Kerala; 2Professor; Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Malabar Dental College and Research Centre, Edappal, Kerala; 3Senior Lecturer; Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Malabar Dental College and Research Centre, Edappal, Kerala

Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, Dental caries, Fingerprint patterns, DMFT index, School children

ABSTRACT

                       Background: Dermatoglyphics refers to the study of epidermal ridge patterns on fingers, palms, and soles. As fingerprint patterns and dental enamel share a common ectodermal origin and develop during a similar period of intrauterine life, dermatoglyphics has been proposed as a potential genetic marker for dental caries susceptibility.

Aim: To evaluate the predominant fingerprint pattern among school children and to assess its association with gender and dental caries experience.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 school children (100 males and 100 females) aged 13–15 years. Right thumb impressions were obtained using the ink method and classified into loop, whorl, and arch patterns according to standard dermatoglyphic criteria. Dental caries experience was recorded using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test to determine associations between fingerprint patterns, gender, and dental caries.

Results: The loop pattern was the most predominant fingerprint pattern in both males and females. No statistically significant association was found between fingerprint patterns and gender or between fingerprint patterns and dental caries experience (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The loop pattern was the most common dermatoglyphic pattern among the study population. Dermatoglyphic patterns showed no significant association with gender or dental caries prevalence. Dermatoglyphics alone may not be a reliable predictor of dental caries in school children.

PUBLISHED

19-09-2025

ISSUE

Volume 8 Issue 1,January- December

SECTION

Original article