The Link between Fingerprints, Genetics & Chronic Periodontitis: A Dermatoglyphic Study

Background: Several methods have been employed for diagnosing inflammatory conditions including biomarkers, enzymes and various other clinical parameters. Dermatoglyphics is one such field which has gained entry in Forensic Medicine, Forensic Odontology and in General Medicine for diagnosing chronic inflammatory conditions. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with destruction of periodontal tissues. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the fingerprint patterns and chronic periodontitis Methods: A total of 60 patients, belonging to both healthy and chronic periodontitis subjects were assessed by a commercially available fingerprint scanner. All the fingerprint images were assessed for the fingerprint pattern and the ridge count manually. The results were tabulated as percentage frequency distribution for the type of fingerprint pattern. The ridge count is shown as mean ± SD. Unpaired t test was applied to test for statistical significance. Results: The frequency distribution showed equal percentage of Radial Loop type of fingerprint pattern in subjects of both Health and Chronic Periodontitis. Statistical analysis showed Plain Whorl type of fingerprint pattern more significant in subjects having Chronic Periodontitis Conclusion: It was concluded that there might be a relationship between type of fingerprint pattern to the chances of a person having Chronic Periodontitis.