Correlation of Dermatoglyphics and Hormonal Fingerprints with Dental Caries among 3-6-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics, which develops concurrently with tooth enamel during embryogenesis, has been explored as a genetic marker. The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), or hormonal fingerprints, is another potential biological marker for predicting dental caries. Early detection of children at high risk for caries may enable timely preventive interventions, and reducing progression of caries and improve long-term oral health outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the correlation between dermatoglyphics and hormonal fingerprints as predictors of dental caries among three to six-year-old children. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going children aged 3-6 years enrolled in government, private schools and anganwadi centres in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India from October 2024 to December 2024. including 98 healthy children aged 3-6 years with parental consent. Participants were divided equally into two groups- caries-active (def ≥1) (group I) and caries-free (def=0) (group II) per World Health Organisation (WHO) oral health assessment criteria. Fingerprints of all 10 digits were recorded using the Cummins and Midlo ink method, then examined under 2× magnification and classified as arch, loop, or whorl. The 2D:4D ratio of the right hand was measured with a digital Vernier caliper and categorised as high (≥1) or low (<1). Statistical analysis performed using Chi-square and Independent t-tests for group comparisons, Pearson’s correlation for associations, and regression analysis for predictive value, with statistical significance was set at as p-value <0.05. Results: Fingerprint patterns were significantly associated with dental caries, with loops as the predominant dermatoglyphic pattern among caries-active children, followed by whorls (p-value <0.05). Hormonal fingerprints were not significantly associated with caries activity (p-value >0.05) but correlated positively with loop patterns in the right hand and both hands combined (p-value <0.05). Regression analysis showed no significant predictive association between either markers and caries (p-value >0.05). Conclusion: The higher prevalence of loops in caries-active children suggests dermatoglyphics as a predictor for assessing dental caries risk. However, the cross-sectional single-centre design limits causal inference and generalisability.