Dermatoglyphic patterns in children with dental caries: An In vivo Study

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is the predominant cause of tooth loss in children and young adults. Mutans streptococci are the principal etiological agents of dental caries, of which Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Streptococcus sobrinus are most important in terms of human caries. Genetic factors also contribute to dental caries of which dermatoglyphics is one. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the unique relationship between genetic component (dermatoglyphics) and dental components (dental caries, salivary pH, SM level) and to identify children at particular risk of dental decay. Settings and Design: One hundred children, 6–12 years of age, were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1 (children with dental caries, subject group) and Group 2 (children without dental caries, control group). Methods: Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using a digital scanner (CanoScan LiDE), and dental caries status was recorded with “decayed-extracted-filled teeth” index for primary teeth and “decayed-missing-filled teeth” index for permanent teeth. Salivary pH was determined using pH meter strips. SM level was estimated by microbial culture of collected saliva samples. Statistical Analysis: Mann–Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, and Z-test were applied. Results and Conclusion: (1) Subject group had a decreased frequency of loops, whereas control group had increased frequency of loop pattern on palmer digits (P < 0.001). (2) Subject group had a low salivary pH toward normal and control group had high salivary pH values toward normal (P < 0.001). (3) Subject group had high SM level as compared to control group (P < 0.001). Therefore, there exists a relationship between genetic component (dermatoglyphics) and dental component (dental caries, salivary pH, and SM level).

Keywords

• Dental caries
• dermatoglyphics
• Streptococcus mutans