Dermatoglyphics: A Plausible Role in Dental Caries and Malocclusion?

Abstract

Background: Palmistry in scientific terms is called as "dermatoglyphics" ("derma" means skin and "glyphic" means carvings). Dermatoglyphics as an independent field of study, even though it has a body of theory, methods, and applications; in many respects, it has been used as an adjunct to other disciplines, serving as a vehicle to resolve broader biomedical problems. Many studies have shown that hereditary factors play contributory role in the development of caries risk and malocclusion. This study was done to check whether dermatoglyphics plays a role in malocclusion and dental caries. Aim: To assess whether dermatoglyphics could help predict genetic susceptibility of children to dental caries and malocclusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 children aged 6-12 years were screened for dermatoglyphics, dental caries using decayed, missing, and filled teeth and discrete Fourier transform index and malocclusion using Angle's classification. Statistical Analysis Used: To show significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories, a Chi-square test was applied. The observed difference was statistically significant and P = 0.03 (<0.05). Results: There was an increased frequency of loop in right hand digit 3 and 5 (middle and little finger) in caries positive participants. Eighty-one percent of loop pattern was observed in digit 5 (little finger) of right hand in Class II malocclusion. Conclusion: Specific fingerprint patterns may be used as a potential noninvasive anatomical tool for mass screening of dental caries and malocclusion and for guiding future research.