title: Dermatoglyphics: a genetic marker of early childhood caries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is an accepted fact that genetics plays an important role in determination of palmar dermatoglyphic patterns. Since caries is a multifactorial disease with the influence of genetic pattern, this study was undertaken to explore the possibility of dermatoglyphics as a noninvasive and early predictor of dental caries in children, so as to initiate preventive oral health measures at an early age.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group comprised of 200 children aged between 4 and 5 years. The dmfs score was evaluated. The experimental group (Group 1), comprised of 100 children with early childhood caries (ECC) with dmfs >5. The control group (Group 2) comprised of 100 children with dmfs score of 0.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An increased frequency of ulnar loops in caries-free children and whorls in children with ECC was observed. Low mean atd angle and low mean. Total ridge count was observed in the ECC group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is definite variation in dermatoglyphics between the ECC and caries-free group, indicating that dermatoglyphic patterns can be used as a predictive tool for children with ECC.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Anitha
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, AECS Maaruti College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Sapna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Konde
authors.forename: N Sunil
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Raj
authors.forename: N C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Preetha
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Peethamber
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000235:genetics*; D003878:Dermatoglyphics; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers