Determination and Comparison of Dermatoglyphic Patterns and Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts and Its Correlation with Dental Caries among 3- to 6-year-old Children.

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the dermatoglyphic patterns and salivary Streptococcus mutans counts, as well as its correlation with dental caries among 3- to 6-year-old children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children 3 to 6 years old who had decayed/extracted/filled teeth (def) >/= 5 were selected as the study group (n = 50) and those who had def = 0 were selected as controls (n = 50). Dermatoglyphics was recorded using the ink stamp-pad method. Salivary S. mutans levels were estimated by microbial culture of the collected salivary samples; for further confirmation, optochin and bacitracin antibiotic sensitivity tests were done. The chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U-test, independent Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA were used for comparison among the variables. Correlation was analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS: The study group showed a significantly higher mean number for whorls and S. mutans count, and the control group showed significantly higher ulnar loops and total ridge count. A positive and significant correlation was observed between mean def and S. mutans. Whorls showed a significant and positive correlation with caries and S. mutans, whereas ulnar loops and total ridge count showed a negative correlation. CONCLUSION: There was a strong correlation between dermatoglyphic patterns (especially ulnar loops, whorls and total ridge count), dental caries and S. mutans level.