Dermatoglyphic Characterization of Dental Caries and its Correlation to Salivary Ph. An in vivo Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to determine a correlation as well as significant difference, if any for dermatoglyphics and the salivary pH between control (caries free) and subject groups (carious teeth). Methods: Ninty patients divided into 45 subjects and 45 controls were selected by predefined criteria. Dermatoglyphic recording was done by using Cummins and Midlo method. Stimulated saliva was collected from patient's mouth and the pH was analyzed by a digital pH sensor. The data was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using Pearsons correlation coefficient and two sample t test (for equal variances. Results: A moderate correlation was observed between the control (0.4548) and subject groups (-0.4372) for whorls and salivary pH. The difference for salivary pH between the subject and control groups was mean 0.396, 95%C.I., 0.25 to 0.54,t=5.4,df=88,P=.05. where as for whorls between the subject and control groups was mean -2.466, 95%C.I., -3.2 to -1.6, t=-6.32, df=88,P=0.05. The large t statistic 5.4720 (salivary pH) and -6.3243(whorls) rejects the null hypothesis that salivary pH and whorls between control and subject group have the same mean at P=0.05. The average salivary pH in control group was higher as compared to subject group where as average whorls in control group was lower as compared to subject group. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics may serve as a noninvasive reliable genetic marker for dental caries. Mass education is required to amplify this research into clinical practice with additional research to envade a new epoch in caries research.