Dermatoglyphics and Rugoscopy: A Diagnostic Tool for Periodontal disease or just a Forensic Aid?

Abstract

Background: Forensic sciences, a well‑established branch in the field of medicine and dentistry always aids in uncovering individual personality by different strategies. Each person has unique set of fingerprints and palatal rugae patterns which is characteristic and may be used to identify them. Periodontal disease initiation and propagation is through an imbalance of the commensal oral micro biota but can also occur due to environmental factors as well as due to genetic susceptibility of the individual. Aim: To determine the uniqueness of fingerprint pattern and palatal rugae pattern in Greater Noida population and to assess the relationship between finger prints, rugae pattern and periodontal diseases among males and females. Materials & Methods: 120 patients with age group between 20-50 years were equally divided into 4 groups of 30 patients each. Groups were characterised based on diagnosis of Group 1: periodontally health group, Group 2: gingivitis, Group 3: chronic periodontitis, Group 4: aggressive periodontitis. The fingerprint patterns of the participants were recorded with a rolling impression technique using duplicating ink on A4 sheet paper. Maxillary impressions cast in dental stone were made. Results: Among the fingerprint pattern arch pattern was found to be more common among Group 1, radial pattern among group 2, whorl pattern among group 4 and ulnar pattern among group 4. The most prevalent rugae shape among group 1 was point, in group 2 was sinuous and among group 3 was sinuous and among group 4 was angle. Mean rugae pattern was more prevalent in group 1 as compared to other groups. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics and rugae pattern may act as prognostic and diagnostic tools for early prevention & intervention of periodontal diseases.[Abrol S A Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 11(2):51-59]