Publication:

Relationship between dermatoglyphics and early childhood caries in pre-school children in Coimbatore city: a cross-sectional study

Background Early childhood caries (ECC) is a prevalent public health issue affecting preschool children and impacting oral health, nutrition and overall well-being. As a multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, environmental and behavioral factors, ECC may be linked to dermatoglyphic patterns, which are genetically determined and remain unchanged throughout life. This study explores dermatoglyphics as a potential non-invasive biomarker for early risk assessment of ECC.

Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 preschool children (3–6 years) in Coimbatore city. Children with special health care needs, fingertip trauma or skin disorders were excluded. Oral examination was performed to screen for ECC. Fingerprints were recorded using blue duplicating ink and analyzed under ×2 magnification to identify loops, whorls and arches. Frequencies of each pattern were compared between ECC and caries-free groups.

Results A significant association was found between dermatoglyphic patterns and ECC. Children with ECC showed a predominance of loop patterns, while caries-free children had more whorls on the left hand. Dermatoglyphics may serve as a simple, non-invasive tool for early identification of high-risk children, enabling timely preventive interventions.

Conclusions The study found a significant association between dermatoglyphic patterns and early childhood caries (ECC). Loop patterns were more common in children with ECC, while caries-free children showed more whorl patterns on the left hand. These results suggest that dermatoglyphics can serve as a simple, non-invasive and cost-effective method to predict genetic susceptibility to ECC, enabling early identification and preventive care during a child’s first dental visit.