A cross sectional study of dermatoglyphics and dental caries in Bengalee children

Dermatoglyphic is the permanent imprint found in hands. Variations of dermatoglyphic patterns among the individuals have been noted.

To find out the dermatoglyphic pattern variations in dental caries between study group and the control group.

A cross-sectional study was done on 300 Bengalee children of Kolkata between the age group of 4-14 years.

The samples were divided into two groups; study group and control group. Dental caries were detected clinically using mouth mirror and probe in daylight. Ink was applied on palm and finger by pressure pad. Bilateral palm and finger prints were taken by placing the palm and fingers over glazed paper and applying pressure over palm. Finger and palm prints obtained were inspected by magnifying glass for the study of different dermatoglyphic parameters.

Analytical statistical method with the help of student's t-test was used to determine mean values and gender differences in the findings using SPSS version 11.0.

The characteristic feature which shows significant increase in caries sample group were increased total finger ridge count (TRFC) and absolute finger ridge count (AFRC) on fingers, representing pattern size and types. ab count and tr count were significantly lower in male and female caries sample group compared with the control group.

There was a significant difference between caries and control group in different patterns and number of "tri radii on fingers" in fingers, the percentage of patterns on all palmar areas, total number of triradii on palm and main line index. Perhaps more systematic larger samples consisting of different genetic population are necessary to verify the conclusion.